boxing day

Taylor Swift will be releasing not one but two projects around her record breaking Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is getting a behind-the-scenes docu-series that will give fans new insight into the “inner-workings that created the phenomenon”.

Last week marked the launch of the biggest album in history, Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl with more than four million equivalent album units earned in the US.

But the 14 Grammy-winning artist isn’t slowing down with two projects in the works that will provide a whole new look at her iconic The Eras Tour which came to an end last year.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, The End of an Era is described as an “illuminating docu-series” that will give an “intimate look at Taylor’s life as her tour made headlines and thrilled fans around the world ”.

Not only will the series provide fans with “never-before-seen” content, it will also spotlight performers, family members and friends, including Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Gracie Abrams.

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Taylor Swift: The End of an Era episode release schedule

Taylor Swift’s upcoming The End of an Era docu-series is going to debut on Friday, December 12, on Disney+.

Unfortunately, all six episodes are not going to be available to watch on this release date with just the first two dropping on December 12.

From then, two episodes are going to be released each week until the penultimate and final instalments are dropped on Boxing Day, Friday, December 26.

Here’s a full rundown of when Disney+ subscribers can expect Taylor Swift’s The End of an Era to come out:

Episodes One and Two: Friday, December 12

Episodes Three and Four: Friday, December 19

Episodes Five and Six: Boxing Day, Friday, December 26

A teaser trailer for the documentary has been released with the award-winning artist telling fans: “The Eras Tour wasn’t when all the pieces fell into place.

“This tour was just when every single one of us who had done so much work, pushing inch by inch, to where we all clicked together.”

The End of an Era docu-series won’t be the only project that Swifties can get excited about either.

It has also been confirmed that The Eras Tour: The Final Show, which will be the full concert film, is also going to be available from December 12.

The last concert on the tour took place in Vancouver and features the entire set of The Tortured Poets Department which was added to the tour following the album’s release in 2024.

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era debuts on Friday, December 12, on Disney+.

MARKS & Spencer is making a major change to all of its stores this Christmas – with more staff set to work on Boxing Day for the first time in five years.

The retailer is ending its recent tradition of keeping most shops shut on the bank holiday as it gears up for one of the busiest trading periods of the year.

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The change will impact stores across the UK, as M&S looks to boost its post-Christmas operations and ensure shelves are fully restocked.

According to The Guardian, around a quarter of store employees will now be required to work on Boxing Day, while all staff must work at least one of December, 26, 27 or 28.

A document from Marks & Spencer seen by the publication revealed that last year, over 40 per cent of permanent staff and 30 per cent of seasonal workers did not work on one of those peak days.

The retailer said this caused knock-on issues with replenishing stock and maintaining store standards.

To avoid similar problems this year, it stated that “all colleagues must play their part to deliver a successful Christmas.”

Jayne Wall, operations director for Marks & Spencer, said: “Christmas at Marks and Spencer is very special and we are grateful to our hardworking colleagues who make our stores great places for our customers to shop.

“Like most retailers, we always have some colleagues in our stores and depots on Boxing Day to help reset.

However, this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on 27 December.”

The change marks a significant shift for M&S, which decided to close most of its stores on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of thanks after staff worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retailer had continued the policy since then, saying it wanted to give employees a “much-deserved extended break with their family and loved ones.”

However, this year’s move comes after a turbulent few months for the business.

M&S was hit by a major cyber attack over Easter, which caused widespread disruption to its systems and operations.

The company has since faced staff shortages and logistical challenges, prompting the change in Christmas staffing.

Not all employees are happy about the decision.

Some have said they feel pressured into accepting additional hours during what is usually considered a family holiday.

One M&S worker said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for colleagues dealing with the cyber incident and the company has been reluctant to give extra hours to stores, so many stores are dealing with low colleague numbers.

“After such a hard time many colleagues feel this is an extra slap in the face.”

Another team member is reported to have written on the retailer’s internal messaging platform expressing disappointment at the move.

They said: “Over recent months it’s been recognised that colleagues have gone above and beyond, doing everything asked of them to keep standards high and deliver excellent service during very challenging times.

“That’s why it feels especially disheartening that Christmas – such a precious time for family – is being disrupted for so many of us.

“Instead of feeling rewarded for our commitment, it comes across more like a punishment.”

HISTORY OF M&S

M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.

The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901.

Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country.

The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products.

It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931.

The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value.

This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S.

M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store.

It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering.

By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores.

By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed.

BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process.

In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France. 

In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK.

In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched.

The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out.

In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops.

In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain’s full food range.

M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.

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ICELAND has revealed this year’s Christmas range including a Baileys yule log and TGI Fridays pigs in blankets.

While the big day is some time away, it’s always good to prepare yourself for the festive season.

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Luckily, Iceland’s new Christmas menu will hit shelves from November 6 and offers everything you need to throw a festive bash.

The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.

Paul Dhaliwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers expect variety and flavour without breaking the bank, and this year we’ve delivered just that. We’ve perfected the festive staples and added new twists that will impress and bring joy to every bite. 

“From classic centrepieces and irresistible desserts to brand-new creations and party essentials, there’s something to suit every kind of Christmas celebration, no matter your style or budget.”  

What’s on the menu?

Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner from beloved Christmas classics to some new additions.

This includes everything from their Sweet Chilli Sticky Prawns and Pizza Chicken Wedges to TGI Fridays Cheeseburger & Chip baskets.

Shoppers will be able to sink their teeth into a range of Christmas meats, pigs and blankets and all the trimmings on top.

And if you are thinking of throwing a festive bash this year, customers can take advantage of their mix-and-match deals on select products like three items for £10.

Or shoppers can stock up with their £1 party range and luxury platters.

But among the showstoppers of this year’s Christmas range is the Luxury Perfect Turkey Crown.

For £28, you can get your hands on 2.2kg of frozen boneless skin on turkey crown with added water topped with sunflower oil and herb and spice marinade.

We also have a feeling that many will be eyeing up the Bailey’s Iced Yule Log for £12.

It features mouthwatering Baileys salted caramel mousse, a dark chocolate sauce and chocolate flavoured meringue.

And you can nab their Luxury Prawn and Prosecco Shells for as little as £5.

The king prawns come in a creamy Prosecco sauce topped with mashed potato, a parsley breadcrumb and cheese, served in a natural shell.

Other festive finds

Iceland aren’t the only retailer to have revealed their Christmas food range recently either.

M&S have revealed all the festive treats that you can get through from its Christmas Food to Order range from today.

The posh supermarket is famous for its delicious Christmas food, which you’ll be able to pre-order to your home ahead of the big day.

In fact, major supermarkets have just revealed the exact dates you can book Christmas delivery slots, including Asda.

We tried the M&S Christmas collection too including their iconic American must-have and Marmite caramel sauce.

We also recently tried Morrisons new Christmas range and one festive treat was an instant winner, knocking M&S and Waitrose out the park.

Morrisons festive nosh is expected to land in its 497 stores over the coming weeks.

And if you’re after your classic chocolate tubs, we’ve calculated the cheapest supermarket to grab all your favourites this week.

A MAJOR UK supermarket has slashed the price of all its Christmas chocolate tubs – and you don’t need a loyalty card to get the bargain.

With just under 100 days to go until Christmas, shoppers are being urged to stock up early and save money on their festive favourites.

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Asda, today cut the price on its tubs of Celebrations, Quality Street, Cadbury Heroes and Cadbury Roses – making them the cheapest on the market without signing up for any scheme.

A tub of Quality Street or Celebrations now costs £4.42, while Cadbury Heroes and Roses are just £4.92 each.

The supermarket said it wanted to give customers the best value possible ahead of the busy festive period, with no need to scan a card or download an app at the checkout.

The deals come as Asda recently unveiled its full Christmas food range for 2025.

It includes Hot Maple Pigs in Blankets, a Pigs in Duvet Wreath, a Festive Fondue Kit, Slow Cured Rack of Pork with Truffle Butter and Parmesan Crumb and a Pistachio & Milk Chocolate Flavour Cream Liqueur.

Retail experts say the price cuts could spark a supermarket price war as competitors look to match Asda’s prices in the run-up to December.

It follows a strong year for Asda, which was named one of the UK’s cheapest supermarkets by Which? earlier this month.

In August, a larger trolley shop of 190 items cost £474.86 at Asda – £11.03 cheaper than Tesco with a Clubcard.

Christmas chocolate price wars

Sweets under the tree are a big part of Christmas for British households.

Supermarkets often offer flash promotions giving shoppers a chance to get their festive favourites at a discounted price.

But these offers aren’t around for long.

Earlier this month, Tesco slashed the price of Quality Street tubs to £2.95.

The price drop gave shoppers a chance to stock up ahead of Christmas.

You’ll need to hide away the tubs to avoid the temptation of tucking in before December.

Besides the big chocolate tubs, other Christmas favourites are starting to land on shelves.

Cadbury’s Mini Snow Balls are one of the best-selling chocolate treats during Christmas time. 

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

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A MUM is ho-ho-home and dry for Christmas already — with £2,000 of gifts all set to go under the tree.

Charlotte Chandler started buying presents for her children Harley, 14, Evie, 13, and six-year-old Myles in June.

The 36-year-old says stocking up early takes off the pressure during the festive period.

She said: “Getting organised early makes a massive difference.

“I usually start in June but sometimes I start earlier.

“This way, I can spread the cost but also be less stressed nearer Christmas and have spare money for activities.

“Going through a busy shopping centre in December and fighting for a parking space is a no thank you.”

And she resists any urge to keep adding to her stockpile.

Charlotte said: “I don’t keep going until Christmas. I’m done now.”

The well-organised content creator, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, hides the presents in two 7ft cupboards with locks on them.

Besides the £2,000 on gifts, single mum Charlotte will add about £10 a week to her food shop to buy festive treats such as crisps, nuts, chocolates and fizzy drinks.

She said: “Anything to keep those stress levels down and enjoy Christmas.”

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