There isn’t much more to say about the past 15 months or so that hasn’t already been said by this point now, right?
2020 was unlike any other year in recent memory, with life as we once knew it completely flipped on its head, but despite restrictions easing over the past couple of months and confirmation expected later today that Britain’s so-called ‘Freedom Day’ will actually happen on 19 July, 2021 has felt like much of the same.
It really is no surprise that many are eager to escape that Groundhog Day feeling by getting some holidays booked in then.
Travel Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News last month that: “It is possible in this pandemic for things to move and change quickly… [however, these changes also] mean there is a little bit of relief for the travel industry and for people who wish to get away.
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“It won’t be quite like it was in 2019 and the old days, but we are moving in a positive direction.”
Considering the uncertainty that’s still involved in booking a holiday abroad in 2021, it’s understandable that people are choosing to plan ahead and look to 2022 when it comes to booking trips and time off work instead.
You can secure a whopping 45 days off work using just 18 days Annual Leave / Credit: Dan Gold (Unsplash) | Flickr
As you’ve probably worked out, the key is all to do with Bank / Public Holidays and the days that fall either side of those nine pre-scheduled days off.
Where the weekends fall in 2022 also plays a significant part in it.
Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 December: Boxing Day & Bank Holiday
Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 December: Annual Leave
Saturday 31 December 2022 & Sunday 1 January 2023: Weekend
Monday 2 January 2023: Bank Holiday
It’s worth noting that before you rush to book all these days off, you should check your employer’s policies on Annual Leave and keep in mind that they don’t actually have to give you paid leave on Bank / Public Holidays.
You can find out more about what you’re entitled to on the gov.uk website.
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
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 50% 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.
Emily Sergeant -
5th February 2021 
