Asda has become the latest retailer to reward frontline staff for their hard work during a testing year – giving them an extra day off over Christmas.
The supermarket has confirmed that all 631 of its UK stores will be closed on Boxing Day to give workers a much-needed breather, allowing them to spend more time with their families.
CEO Roger Burnley told staff: “This is of course our busiest time of year, but it was important for us to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have not seen for many months.
“So, uniquely for this year, we will not reopen our stores until December 27th.”
Any Asda employees who were scheduled to work Boxing Day will be paid for their shift as normal.
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What’s more, an as-yet-unspecified bonus will apparently be distributed to staff after Christmas as an additional thank you.
Paddy Lillis, general secretary of the shopworkers’ union Usdaw, said: “When the country faced a crisis unlike any in our lifetime, shopworkers stepped up and kept essential services running.
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“They continued to work and faced increased levels of violence and abuse, as well as being worried about catching COVID-19.
“So we welcome Asda doing the right thing by their staff with the closure of stores on Boxing Day.”
Asda joins a growing list of retailers giving their teams time off over the festive period.
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Last month, budget retailer Home Bargains confirmed it would be keeping its doors closed on December 26.
Waitrose, Aldi and Marks & Spencer are among some of the other big names that will also wait until after Boxing Day to welcome back customers.
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Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
The Manc -
10th December 2020 
