Asda and Tesco have become the first two UK supermarkets to unveil their festive food ranges for 2024.
Sure, it may quite literally be August right now, and we’ve still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of a bank holiday weekend, Halloween, and Bonfire Night to get through first, but it seems two of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are already looking ahead to the most wonderful time of year.
That’s right, whether you can believe it or not, Asda and Tesco have already unveiled their festive food ranges for Christmas 2024.
Although we didn’t want to bring up the ‘C’ word nearly five months before the festive season is actually upon us, here we are – and considering Greater Manchester hasn’t really had much of a ‘summer’ so far this year, maybe there’s no harm getting in getting into the festive spirit a little earlier than normal?
Thankfully, there’s some real mouthwatering treats on the menu to make these early releases worthwhile.
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Asda and Tesco have unveiled their festive food ranges for 2024 / Credit: Tesco | Asda
Over at Tesco, you won’t just find the traditional turkey and Christmas pudding on the lineup this year, as joining those are inventive alternatives like a Dry Cured Bone-in Gammon Joint with a Black Cherry Glaze, a large Winter Berry Pork Pie, a Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Galette, a Roasted Vegetable & Cranberry Star, mini Pigs in Blankets Yorkshire Puddings, and even a whole range of festive-themed party foods and cheese selection.
For those with a sweet tooth, Tesco is serving up a Belgian Chocolate & Sea Salted Caramel Snowy Semi Freddo, and a Speculoos and Belgian Chocolate Highwall Cheesecake, both from the ‘Finest’ range among others.
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There’s also a giant Christmas star-shaped chocolate panettone to tuck into too.
There’s some real mouthwatering festive treats on the lineups this year / Credit: Tesco
Can Asda rival that then?
Well, aside from the usual classics, just like Tesco, the supermarket has some snazzy alternatives on the lineup including the a Slow Cooked Beef Shin, a Welsh Lamb Shoulder with Fig, Whiskey, and a Spiced Honey stuffing, and even a cleverly-named Charcuter-wreath, alongside lots of party food and ‘picky bits’.
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These include Butter Chicken Samosas, Prawn & Veg Dim Sum, and Tempura Prawns, all from the ‘Exceptional’ range.
There’s classics, inventive alternatives, and new and returning fan-favourites / Credit: Tesco
When it comes to desserts and sweet treats, shoppers are spoiled for choice once again, with some of the stand-outs being the fan-favourite Exceptional Panettone, and the new Raspberry, Pistachio & Passionfruit Pavlova Wreath from the ‘Extra Special’ range.
Both supermarkets also have a wide range of vegan and ‘Free From’ food options available across their ranges this year, so no one need miss out on the festive feasting fun.
It’s expected that we won’t have long to wait now until the rest of the other major supermarkets get into the Christmas spirit too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Tesco
Shopping
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.
Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like ‘finally’ and ‘can’t wait’.
And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.
Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.
Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2024 
