The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey drives 'growing trend' of Hobbit fancy dress, say allfancydress.com

The spirited group of dwarves, otherwise known as Hobbits are making an impression on the nation's streets with an increasing number of fans of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' painting the town red in elf-themed costumes, paying homage to the film's central character, Bilbo Baggins.

Essex-based online fancy dress retailer, All Fancy Dress has noted a 'growing trend' of enquiries and purchases of Bilbo Baggins outfits with partygoers choosing to enjoy a night on the tiles dressed as the elf-like clan.

Steve John, of allfancydress.com, said: "Stag dos are one of the biggest reasons why we have been receiving more interest in elf-themed fancy dress. As in the recent hit film, Hobbits stick together and appear to be a very topical choice of fancy dress for group parties.

"Our Bilbo Baggins costumes are also proving extremely popular with young boys who have been enchanted by The Lord of the Rings franchise and the new Hobbit classic. With World Book Day around the corner and film-themed fancy dress birthday parties very popular for youngsters it is perhaps unsurprising that we have experienced a surge in demand this month."

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' has certainly resonated well with film critics, receiving three BAFTA nominations, one each for sound, special visual effects and hair and make-up.

Across the Atlantic in North America the film came out on top of two Oscar-tipped movies to the top spot at the US Box Office over the New Year, earning more than Quentin Tarantino's western, Django Unchained and the hit musical, Les Miserables.