Sky is dishing out 35 extra channels for free and here's how to get them on your TV

There's good news if you subscribe to Sky. The telly firm has just announced that it is dishing out a bunch of bonus channels and the boost is totally free. This blockbuster upgrade is available from today, October 10, and will last until October 16 - that means there's a full 7 days with more things to tune into. So, how can you get this free upgrade and what is included?

Sky says the freebie is available to anyone with a basic Sky Essential TV package. If that's you, you'll find it's now been upgraded to the more premium Sky Ultimate TV option at no extra cost.

That means extra channels such as Sky Max, Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries, U&Gold, and Comedy Central will now be unlocked.

"From 10–16 October, Sky Essential TV customers can access Sky Ultimate TV at no extra cost," Sky explained in a message sent to Express.co.uk.

"This will unlock 35+ extra channels to watch, including Sky Max, featuring unmissable shows from the final series of Brassic to BAFTA-winning Mr Bigstuff, as well as other favourites like Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries, U&Gold, and Comedy Central.

"Other shows to enjoy include new mockumentary The Paper on Sky Max, The Office on Sky Comedy, as well as FBI and Fire Country on Sky Witness."

So, how do you get this boost?

Sky says users shouldn't need to do a thing. All Sky Essential TV customers will now have access to Sky Ultimate TV from today until next week. Of course, Sky will be hoping customers like what they see and will then upgrade for real.

Sky says existing customers can upgrade to Sky Ultimate TV for its lowest ever upgrade price of just £3 extra a month. This isn't the only freebie available this month.

Virgin Media is offering full access to channels including Sky Kids, Cartoon Network and Baby TV throughout October.

That means homes will be able to tune into content such as Pip and Posy’s Spooktacular Party (Sky Kids), The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball (Cartoon Network), SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon), and Peppa Pig without facing the usual subscription fees. Virgin says it has launched the freebie in time for the October half-term