We may only be a day into August, but some UK supermarkets have already started unveiling their festive food ranges for 2023.
And no, we’re not kidding.
Although we didn’t want to bring up the ‘C’ word nearly five months before the festive season is actually upon us, a handful of UK supermarkets have left us with no choice, because despite the fact August has literally just arrived, and the school summer holidays have only just started, Tesco, Asda, and more have already started releasing details about their Christmas food and drink ranges.
Considering July was a classic Greater Manchester wash-out, though, and the weather forecast for the foreseeable future looks to be much of the same, maybe there’s no harm getting in getting into the festive spirit a little earlier this year?
We’re going to bet at least a few people answered yes to that, and thankfully, there’s some real mouthwatering treats on the menu to make these early releases worthwhile.
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A sneak peak at what’s on offer at Tesco this Christmas / Credit: Tesco
Over at Tesco, you won’t just find the traditional turkey and Christmas pudding on the lineup this year, as instead, there’s inventive alternatives like a Slow Cooked Sloe Gin Duck, Pigs in Blankets Topped Steak Pie, pear-shaped Pork Liver Pâté, Monkfish & Chorizo Wellington, Prawn Snowballs, and even a whole range of festive-themed Bao buns.
For those with a sweet tooth, Tesco is serving up a Winter Orange Cheesecake and Mulled Berry Meringue Wreath, both from the ‘Finest’ range.
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There’s also a giant Christmas tree-shaped chocolate brownie to tuck into too.
Tesco is one of a handful of UK supermarkets to have already unveiled its 2023 food offering / Credit: Tesco
Can Asda rival that? Aside from the classics, the supermarket retailer is also teasing shoppers with a wide range of new festive delicacies this year.
These include Porchetta, a Speciality Cheeseboard, and a Charcuterie Ultimate Grazing Platter, all from the ‘Extra Special’ range, and a whopping 57 new vegan and 35 new Free From products too.
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When it comes to desserts and sweet treats, shoppers are spoiled for choice once again, with some of the stand-outs being a Chocolate & Honeycomb Avalanche Dessert, the Brown Butter & Spiced Dark Rum Mince Pies, and a trio of black forest-themed treats.
Some of the treats Asda is offering up this Christmas / Credit: Asda
There’s a Black Forest Yule Log, the Black Forest Stollen Bites, and the undeniably showstopping Black Forest Woodland Cake.
Although the retailer doesn’t have much of a presence in Greater Manchester, Waitrose has also unveiled its 2023 festive food range, and it’s expected that we won’t have long to wait now until the majority of other major supermarket chains also get into the Christmas spirit.
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 -
1st August 2023 
