
Newport one of cities most ready for zombie apocalypse
Recent research by LSS revealed the city had 165 searches per 10,000 people for survival kits and related items from May 2024 to April 2025.
This placed Newport third in Wales, behind Bangor and Wrexham.
In terms of the sheer number of searches, Newport averaged 2,640 monthly, placing it fourth.
Across the UK, searches for survival gear have surged by 236 per cent in the past year.
This increase comes amid the release of the film 28 Years Later and the continued popularity of apocalypse-themed shows like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead.
Despite the rising interest in survival gear, a Freedom of Information request by LSS revealed no UK council has plans for a zombie apocalypse.
The findings were described as 'tongue-in-cheek', but LSS noted that they reflect a 'healthy mentality' towards staying safe in emergencies.

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North Wales Chronicle
13-06-2025
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Bangor is most prepared city in Wales for zombie apocalypse
The city has topped the list as the UK's most survival-ready city, with more people searching for emergency supplies than anywhere else in the country. The research is especially fitting as director Danny Boyle, who graduated from Bangor University in 1978 with a degree in English and drama, is set to release 28 Years Later, the latest instalment in the iconic zombie film series. The study, carried out by LSS, found that in the year to April 2025, there were 553 searches per 10,000 people in Bangor for terms such as survival kit, bug out bag, and emergency kit – the highest rate in the UK. Gary Noble, from LSS, said: "A zombie apocalypse, while great on screen, in books, and in video games, would be a disaster for humanity, and thankfully, will never happen. "While the results are a bit tongue in cheek, it's great to see people taking serious steps to protect themselves though, should an emergency happen." Wrexham came second with 207 searches per 10,000 people, while Newport placed third with 165. In terms of total search volume, Cardiff led the way with an average of 4,350 searches per month, followed by Swansea with 3,860 and Wrexham with 2,800. Mr Noble said: "Having a survival kit, food supplies, medical supplies, and even a bug out bag in case you need to dash quickly, are all smart things to have on hand. "While you might not need them to escape a zombie horde, they're great to have in case of an injury, a power cut, or an emergency last minute trip to support a loved one." LSS also submitted Freedom of Information requests to councils across the UK to see if any had official plans for a zombie outbreak – none did. READ MORE: European surgeons visit Ysbyty Gwynedd to learn robotic knee surgery techniques Dorset Council responded: "The concept of a zombie apocalypse was referenced tongue in cheek in an article explaining what the emergency planning team do, which commenced 'Have you ever wondered what the emergency planning team do? "The rumours of them hiding away in a darkened bunker drawing up plans of how to respond to the end of the world or a zombie apocalypse are (largely) untrue. "Although we do have a bunker!'" Nationally, searches for survival kit have increased by 236 per cent over the past year.

South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport one of cities most ready for zombie apocalypse
Recent research by LSS revealed the city had 165 searches per 10,000 people for survival kits and related items from May 2024 to April 2025. This placed Newport third in Wales, behind Bangor and Wrexham. In terms of the sheer number of searches, Newport averaged 2,640 monthly, placing it fourth. Across the UK, searches for survival gear have surged by 236 per cent in the past year. This increase comes amid the release of the film 28 Years Later and the continued popularity of apocalypse-themed shows like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. Despite the rising interest in survival gear, a Freedom of Information request by LSS revealed no UK council has plans for a zombie apocalypse. The findings were described as 'tongue-in-cheek', but LSS noted that they reflect a 'healthy mentality' towards staying safe in emergencies.