Boxing Day is undoubtedly one of the busiest days in the UK retail calendar.
But after what has been a year like no other in recent memory, things are set to be a little different in 2020, with a number of stores announcing they will be closing doors on 26th December to allow staff to enjoy a prolonged break over the festive period.
It comes after many major and independent retailers alike have suffered a significant drop in footfall and trade this year following two national lockdowns and ongoing restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
An increase in online shopping on Boxing Day is thus expected instead this year.
While many big name retailers have chosen to continue keeping doors open in the hopes it will still be profitable, others have opted to remain closed.
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Asda became the latest retailer to announce it will be closing stores on Boxing Day to allow staff extra time to spend with their families, with Chief Executive Roger Burnley saying that workers have “all done an incredible job” serving customers and communities in what has been “a challenging year”.
In his message to colleagues, Mr Burnley said: “But it’s also been challenging from a personal perspective as we have not been able to spend time with our families and friends, which has been hard for us all… 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.”
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Aldi and Home Bargains are among the other major retailers to adopt the same messaging.
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Full list of shops to remain closed on Boxing Day:
Asda
Aldi
Lidl
Wickes
Home Bargains
Homebase
Pets at Home
The Entertainer
Marks and Spencer
John Lewis
Waitrose
You can find further information regarding the operating hours of each major UK supermarket chain – including Asda, Aldi and Lidl – over the festive period here.
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Opening times for the rest of the festive season can be found on the website of each above retailer.
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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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Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.
Following the success of the first-ever live streams of Europe’s biggest party onto the big screen when it was held on British soil in Liverpool last year, cinemas up and down the UK are set to come together once again to celebrate 2024’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.
The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 11 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.
Hosted by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and be “united by music” to share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.
Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: Cinema Live | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
You may remember that Sweden is hosting Eurovision this year, following the Scandinavian country’s well-deserved victory at the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen.
But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Malmö to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.
Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is “heavily encouraged” as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.
The Eurovision Grand Final will be in Cinemas on May 11, 2024! Get your tickets now! https://t.co/4KBeOZ6DT7
Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row.
“We want audiences to enjoy themselves, so come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and join together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen”.
Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.
Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.
Featured Image – Nick Robinson (via BBC)
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The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new series of The Apprentice
Emily Sergeant
Reckon you’ve got what it takes to be Lord Sugar’s next business partner?
The current 2024 season of The Apprentice might be coming to a close, but the show is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
In fact, there’s already a chance to apply for the next season of the hit TV show.
Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur with a business-savvy mind, someone who’s always just fancied themselves for doing well in the field, or you have a business idea that you think could be the next big thing, everyone is encouraged to apply for the new series – and the BBC is particularly calling on people from Greater Manchester.
Basically, as long as “you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer”, then the show’s producers are keen to hear from you.
A casting call on the BBC website reads: “Could you be his next investment? If you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer, the process starts here. The winning candidate will receive an investment and go into a 50:50 business with Lord Sugar. Fighting it out for his investment candidates will take part in twelve tough tasks to win one life-changing opportunity.”
There’s a few simple questions to answer as part of the initial process, but the two major ones where you’ll have your chance to set yourself apart from the rest are:
Why should you be Lord Sugar’s business partner?
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever done in business?
The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new season of The Apprentice / Credit: BBC
Applications are now open and close on 1 December 2024 at 23:59, with successful candidates set to be contacted for interviews in the new year.
Initial interviews will be taking place across the UK, and at least two dates have been pencilled for Manchester, Leeds, and/or Birmingham, with additional interviews to decide on the final candidates then set to follow in early 2025, and filming for the series due to takes place for 10 to 12 weeks from 7 April – 22 June 2025.
The Manc -
22nd December 2020 
