Brits will be able to grab half-price train tickets this week as a huge rail sale goes live across the UK.
The biggest-ever rail sale will see thousands of routes across the country discounted by up to 50%, with almost all train operators in the UK taking part.
The government is promising more discounted tickets than ever before, from short jaunts to neighbouring cities like Manchester and Sheffield to further-flung trips like Edinburgh and London.
It's hoped that this huge rail sale will encourage more people to travel by train, and comes as the Government continues its overhaul of the railways, The Manc reports.
Millions of train tickets are available at half the price, between 14 January and 20 January.
The sale applies to select advance and off-peak fares on travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.
These offers won't last long, and only apply to a limited number of tickets, so you'll want to move fast to snap up a bargain.
It's reported that last year's rail sale saved passengers £5.8 million in total.
Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander, said: "I’m launching the biggest ever rail sale so more passengers can get big discounts on train tickets to visit destinations across the country.
"Whether you’re planning a getaway or wanting to visit friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions on all sorts of journeys.
"Make the most of this sale, get your tickets while you can!"
The 2025 rail sale comes on the 200th anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger train with celebrations expected throughout the year as part of Railway 200.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: "This year, as we celebrate 200 years of railways in the UK, we’re reminded that rail travel is about much more than simply getting from A to B – it’s about bringing people, communities and opportunities together.
"Over 2 centuries, rail has become a vital part of the UK, shaping the economy and lives of millions.
"The year’s rail sale will offer over 2 million discounted advance fares starting on 14 January 2025, which is a great way to save on your travel and celebrate 200 years of railway connections."
Next step - making that train between Manchester and London a bit more affordable every day of the year...
If you’ve been wondering why you’re seeing a lot of free pizza lately, we’re here to explain the current Franco Manca pizza ‘run trend’.
And yes, we were the foolish ones enough to have not quizzed any of our jogging chums until now, meaning we’ve missed out on more money and free pizza. Sigh.
Nevermind, though, because at least we spotted it before the end of the month (this being Franco Manca’s main January deal), and we dare say that now you’ve heard about it, you’ll see plenty others popping up on social media with their free slices.
That’s right, it may be a very thin slice with a very long and thin slice, but that is as much of a pizza slice outline as we needed to qualify for the current deal.
Yes, we’re aware that the actual pepperonis on ours are more square than most – listen, we did our best, and we’ve certainly seen people pulling off better overall shaped pizzas than us; that’s part of the fun/and or challenge.
For instance, we didn’t mean for our picture to come out with one long crust running down either…
So, how does it work, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple, to be fair. All you have to do is run a pizza-shaped route (any pizza shape works, by the way), map your route on the likes of Strava or Apple Fitness, etc., then show your creation at your nearest and claim a quid off for every kilometre you run.
As advertised on the ‘Map My Pizza Run’ page on their website, the aim isn’t about putting pressure or hitting a strict target; you simply get rewarded the longer you go.
Here’s a handy example from a local running content creator for you:
There are some stipulations, such as not being used in conjunction with any other offer, one pizza map being valid per person, and the route has to have been run in January. You can find the full terms and conditions HERE.
Oh, and technically, you can do it however you like: run, walk, cycle – you name it. Other than that, we’ve pretty much given you all the info you need to know, so go and get yourself some free pizza.
UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series
Clementine Hall
The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.
The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.
Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.
Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Image: Supplied
In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.
Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.
It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.
Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.
Daisy Jackson -
14th January 2025 
