Government ministers have conceded that “Christmas cannot be normal” this year amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but what does this mean?
Just how different will the festive season be for the UK public?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday set out the government’s COVID Winter Plan – which includes the new “tougher” three tier system – in an address to MPs in the House of Commons, and is today expected to be providing further information on the proposed ‘Christmas break’.
This is predicted to include how many households will be able to bubble together at Christmas, and how long the break in restrictions will last.
At present, no official confirmations have been made, although government ministers are reportedly believed to be working on plans for three households and a five-day break – from Christmas Eve to 28th December – subject to agreement from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed these intentions yesterday.
He told Sky News yesterday that the government will “confirm it when we have that agreement across the four nations”, and added: “We’ve agreed in principle that there should be a set of rules that applies across the board that is balanced, that allows a little bit more freedom, but is still safe.”
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Touching on the subject of Christmas in his address to MPs in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity, time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none.
“We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it [and] we certainly feel we deserve it.
“But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January.
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S”o to allow families to come together, while minimising the risk, we are working with the Devolved Administrations on a special, time-limited Christmas dispensation, embracing the whole of the United Kingdom, and reflecting the ties of kinship across our islands.
“But this virus is obviously not going to grant us a Christmas truce, it doesn’t know it’s Christmas and families will need to make a careful judgement about the risk of visiting elderly relatives.”
"Tis the season to be jolly, but it's also the season to be jolly careful."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says "Christmas this year will be different" as he sets out the government's #COVID19 winter plan.
He also provided an insight into how rapid testing will aim to enable families to come together over the festive period. He said: “By the end of the year, this will allow every care home resident to have two visitors, who can be tested twice a week.
“Care workers looking after people in their own homes will be offered weekly tests from today, and from next month, weekly tests will also be available to staff in prisons, food manufacturing, and those delivering and administering COVID vaccines.
“We are also using testing to help schools and universities stay open, and testing will enable students to know they can go home safely for Christmas and indeed back from home to university.”
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Mr Johnson closed out his address yesterday stating: “2020 has been in many ways a tragic year when so many have lost loved ones and faced financial ruin. This will be still a hard Winter, Christmas cannot be normal, and there is a long road to Spring, but we have turned a corner,
“And the escape route is in sight.
“We must hold out against the virus until testing and vaccines come to our rescue and reduce the need for restrictions.
“Everyone can help speed up the arrival of that moment by continuing to follow the rules, getting tested and self-isolating when instructed, remembering hands, face and space, and pulling together for one final push to the Spring, when we have every reason to hope and believe that the achievements of our scientists will finally lift the shadow of the virus.”
The COVID Winter Plan can be accessed in full here.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Glossop North End are set to take on a team of Manchester United Legends
Danny Jones
Nearby non-league football club Glossop North End are preparing for what is set to be one of their biggest games in years as they prepare to take a team of Manchester United Legends.
Founded back in 1886, the centuries-old side has a rich sporting heritage from early amateur friendlies to playing in the North Cheshire League, the Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire combination division to the North West Counties League (NWCL) today.
Based at The Asgard Engineering Stadium on Surrey Street in the Derbyshire town, North End – or ‘The Hillmen’, as they’re colloquially known – bring in loyal local crowds without fail every week but are set for an even bigger attendance than usual this summer.
Announced at the end of last month, Glossop will be facing up against a team of Man United Legends players for years gone by in an exciting exhibition match in just a few months’ time.
Glossop take on some familiar Manchester United faces this July.
In collaboration with the Glossop Heritage Trust, the ‘Peakites’ are set to welcome Red Devils of old on Saturday, 12 July for an unforgettable fixture.
Although the full squad of retired pros is yet to be confirmed, the likes of 1999 Treble-winners Wes Brown and David May, as well as former midfielder and one-time Premier League winner Luke Chadwick.
To make things even more interesting, the club also offered supporters the chance to sign up for the Legends team and play alongside the ex-footballer, with the application fee going directly back into the club on what is already going to be a big day in terms of funding.
It goes without saying that Glossop natives jumped at the opportunity and the limited places were snapped up in a heartbeat.
As for who the lucky four chosen players will be, we’ll just have to wait and see.
⚪️𝑺𝑶𝑳𝑫 𝑶𝑼𝑻⚪️ We can now officially announce that ALL 4 places on the Man Utd legends side for our game on Sat 12th July are now SOLD OUT ! Thankyou to everyone who has sent enquiries & purchased the places.
Charity and exhibition matches like these are always a big win for grassroots football, regardless of the result after the full-time whistle and with both North End and United fans set to grab tickets, it’s sure to be a sell-out day at Surrey Street.
With coverage from ITV Granada, it’ll be a memorable day for the area, no doubt about that – special occasions like this remind us of how important the beautiful game is to local communities.
Tickets for Glossop vs Man United Legends will be available from 1 March and it goes without saying they won’t be on sale for long, so if you fancy coming along to the game you best be quick about it.
Flying Tiger is opening a new Greater Manchester store next week
Thomas Melia
Popular variety store Flying Tiger is set to open a new Manchester location, and it’s arriving later this month.
The genius of Scandinavian couple and entrepreneurs, Lennart and Suzanne Lajboschitz, Flying Tiger opened its flagship store in Copenhagen back in 1995, and nowadays, this shop has everything you could possibly need – and some things you never knew you did.
Flying Tiger has become a staple on Manchester’s high street, thanks to its ability to keep up with the trends and constantly reinvent its products.
You can always trust the Danes to come up with an innovative concept, and ironically, this Danish brand is opening up right next to another new site, LEGO.
Flying Tiger is opening a new Greater Manchester store next week / Credit: The Manc Group
This impressive 1,500 sq ft shop will open in the Upper Peel Avenue area of the Trafford Centre, and its big launch couldn’t be happening on a more fitting day.
Opening on 14 February, more widely-known as Valentine’s Day, anyone who’s left their present shopping until the last minute is now in luck, as they can nip in and pick up a selection of bits and bobs for their special someone.
Anyone thinking of popping down on its grand launch day definitely should, as the first 200 customers to visit the shop will receive an exclusive goody bag filled with items from the latest collection.
The Manc -
24th November 2020 
