Category: Competitions

Manage competition and giveaway posts for the Competitions section.

  • Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw: How to Win Amazing prize

    Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw: How to Win Amazing prize

    Imagine spending just £25 on Halloween sweets, pumpkins and decorations and getting the chance to win a prize worth almost £1,200. That’s the exciting opportunity being offered through the Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw, giving one lucky household the chance to enjoy a year of visits to some of the UK’s biggest theme parks and family attractions.

    The seasonal promotion is aimed at Tesco Clubcard members shopping for Halloween, with qualifying purchases offering an opportunity to win a collection of Merlin Annual Passes.

    For families who enjoy days out, roller coasters and exciting attractions, this could be a particularly valuable prize. Rather than spending hundreds of pounds on individual theme park tickets, the winning household could enjoy repeat visits throughout the year.

    Here’s everything shoppers need to know about the promotion, how to enter and what the £1,196 prize package could include.

    Key Takeaways

    • Tesco Clubcard shoppers have the chance to win Merlin Annual Passes worth a combined £1,196.
    • A qualifying Halloween spend of at least £25 is required to enter.
    • Shoppers need to use a registered Clubcard when making their purchase.
    • The prize offers access to popular UK attractions, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND.
    • Entry is associated with qualifying Halloween shopping during the October promotional period.
    • Shoppers should check the promotion’s conditions, including entry limits and prize validity.

    What Is the Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw?

    Tesco’s Halloween promotion gives Clubcard members the opportunity to win a valuable family entertainment prize while doing their usual seasonal shopping.

    With Halloween approaching, many households are already buying pumpkins, sweets, costumes, decorations and party supplies. The competition gives shoppers an additional incentive to use their Clubcard when paying for these purchases.

    The main attraction is the opportunity to win Merlin Annual Passes with a combined value of £1,196.

    Unlike traditional competitions that require lengthy entry forms, this promotion is designed around qualifying shopping activity. Customers who meet the spending requirements and use their Clubcard can be entered into the draw according to the promotional rules.

    For families who regularly visit theme parks and attractions, the prize could provide considerable entertainment throughout the year.

    How to Enter the Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw

    Entering the competition is relatively straightforward, provided shoppers meet the qualifying conditions.

    There are three main steps to follow:

    1. Spend at least £25

    Shoppers need to reach the minimum qualifying spend on eligible Halloween purchases during the promotional period.

    This could include items such as Halloween sweets, pumpkins, decorations, party supplies and other seasonal products, subject to the competition’s eligibility rules.

    2. Use your Tesco Clubcard

    Customers must scan their registered Clubcard at the checkout or ensure their Clubcard account is linked when shopping online.

    This allows the purchase to be associated with the correct loyalty account.

    3. Check your entry details

    Once the qualifying purchase has been completed, shoppers should check the promotional conditions to understand how entries are recorded and whether any additional steps are required.

    It is important to check the specific competition terms rather than assume every £25 Tesco purchase automatically qualifies.

    What Is Included in the £1,196 Merlin Annual Pass Prize?

    The headline prize is particularly appealing because Merlin Entertainments operates some of the UK’s best-known family attractions.

    Depending on the pass type and its conditions, Merlin Annual Passes can provide access to a variety of theme parks and visitor attractions.

    These include:

    • Alton Towers: One of the UK’s most famous theme parks, known for its major roller coasters, family rides and themed attractions.
    • Thorpe Park: A popular destination for thrill-seekers, featuring some of the country’s biggest and fastest roller coasters.
    • LEGOLAND Windsor: A favourite with families, offering LEGO-themed rides, attractions and interactive experiences.
    • Chessington World of Adventures: Combining a theme park, zoo and aquarium, making it a popular choice for family days out.
    • SEA LIFE attractions: Offering opportunities to explore marine life and underwater environments.

    The exact attractions included will depend on the annual pass tier awarded and any applicable restrictions.

    For families who enjoy visiting these destinations regularly, an annual pass can represent considerable value compared with purchasing individual day tickets.

    Why the Prize Is Worth Getting Excited About

    Theme park visits can quickly become expensive, particularly for families buying tickets for several people.

    A single day at a major UK attraction can cost a significant amount, especially during school holidays and peak periods.

    Having annual passes could make it much easier for families to enjoy multiple days out without repeatedly paying for admission.

    The potential benefits include:

    • Visiting favourite theme parks more than once.
    • Planning family days out throughout the year.
    • Enjoying different attractions during school holidays.
    • Exploring new destinations without purchasing separate admission tickets.
    • Potentially saving money on repeated visits.

    A prize package worth £1,196 could therefore provide much more than a single family day out. It could offer months of entertainment and opportunities to make memories together.

    How Many Winners Will Receive the Prize?

    As with most supermarket competitions, the Merlin Annual Pass giveaway is intended for a limited number of winning entrants rather than every qualifying Clubcard customer.

    The number of winners, how the passes are allocated and the precise prize arrangements should be confirmed in the competition’s official terms and conditions.

    Winners should also pay attention to important details such as:

    • Validity dates: Annual passes may need to be activated or used within a specified period.
    • Pass restrictions: Different Merlin pass levels can have different access arrangements.
    • Transfer conditions: Prizes may be non-transferable and cannot necessarily be exchanged for cash.
    • Attraction exclusions: Certain attractions, dates or special events may not be included.
    • Booking requirements: Some attractions may require advance reservations, even when visitors hold annual passes.

    Understanding these conditions is important before making plans around the prize.

    Is It Worth Spending £25 to Enter?

    For shoppers already planning their Halloween purchases, the competition could provide an appealing extra benefit.

    Many households will naturally spend money on pumpkins, sweets, costumes and decorations in the run-up to Halloween. If these purchases meet the qualifying conditions, entering the draw could be a welcome bonus.

    However, it is worth remembering that this is a prize draw, not a guaranteed reward.

    Customers should avoid buying unnecessary products simply to reach the spending threshold. The sensible approach is to use the promotion as an added benefit when completing a shopping trip they were already planning.

    It is also worth checking whether any products are excluded from the qualifying spend and whether the competition has restrictions on the number of entries per household.

    What Tesco Clubcard Shoppers Should Do Next

    Anyone interested in entering should make sure their Clubcard is registered and ready to use before completing their Halloween shopping.

    It is also sensible to check the promotional conditions carefully, particularly the qualifying dates, minimum spending requirements and how entries are confirmed.

    Keeping receipts and checking the details of the competition can help avoid confusion if shoppers need to establish whether their purchase qualified.

    Final Thoughts

    The Tesco Clubcard Halloween Draw offers shoppers the opportunity to turn an ordinary seasonal shopping trip into a chance to win a prize worth £1,196.

    With Merlin Annual Passes potentially providing access to attractions such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND, the giveaway could be particularly exciting for families who enjoy days out together.

    The £25 qualifying spend is relatively modest for households already preparing for Halloween, although shoppers should always check the precise entry requirements before taking part.

    For Tesco Clubcard members, the best approach is to plan their Halloween shopping as usual, use their registered Clubcard and make sure they understand the competition rules.

    A few bags of Halloween sweets and some decorations could make for an ordinary shopping trip, but for one lucky household, they could lead to a whole year of exciting family adventures.

  • Comping for Disabled People: pitfalls of Entering

    Comping for Disabled People: pitfalls of Entering

    Nearly 177 UK prize draw operators have now signed a government code promising safer, fairer entries by mid-2026. That single fact says a lot about how mainstream, and how carefully watched, the world of competition entering, known as “comping,” has become. For disabled people weighing up new hobbies that fit around fatigue, pain, or unpredictable health, comping for disabled people raises a fair question: can entering competitions really work as a flexible hobby, rather than another source of stress?

    According to a September 2026 feature on Disability Horizons, the answer is yes, but only with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of how winnings interact with benefits.[1]

    Key Takeaways

    • Comping for disabled people works best as a low-pressure hobby, not a reliable income source, since even experienced compers cannot predict wins.[1]
    • Non-means-tested benefits like PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance are unaffected by competition prizes of any value.[1]
    • Means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit can be affected once cash prizes push savings above £6,000, with entitlement lost above £16,000.[1]
    • Non-cash prizes, such as gadgets or holidays, generally do not count as capital unless sold.[1]
    • New government and advertising rules aim to make prize draws fairer and safer for hobbyist entrants.[3][8][11]

    What Is Comping, and Why Disabled Hobbyists Are Drawn to It

    Comping simply means regularly entering competitions and prize draws, often for fun rather than financial necessity. Disability Horizons frames it explicitly as a hobby rather than work, pointing out that outcomes are never guaranteed no matter how many entries someone submits.[1]

    What Is Comping, and Why Disabled Hobbyists Are Drawn to It

    That unpredictability is actually part of the appeal for many disabled hobbyists. Comping can be done from bed, paused during flare-ups, and picked up again without penalty. There are no shifts, deadlines, or physical demands. The publication advises treating any prize as an occasional bonus, never something to budget rent or bills around.[1]

    This flexibility is why comping for disabled people is increasingly discussed alongside other low-cost, low-commitment hobbies suited to variable energy levels.

    Comping for Disabled People: How Prizes Affect UK Benefits

    One of the biggest concerns for disabled entrants is whether winning could jeopardize existing support. Disability Horizons offers a clear breakdown of 2026 rules.[1]

    For non-means-tested benefits, there is no issue at all:

    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
    • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
    • Attendance Allowance

    None of these are affected by prize winnings, whether the prize is a small voucher or a car.[1]

    Means-tested benefits work differently. Cash prizes count as capital once deposited in a bank account. According to the guidance:

    • Savings under £6,000 total: no impact on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, or income-related ESA
    • Savings between £6,000 and £16,000: entitlement is gradually reduced
    • Savings above £16,000: Universal Credit entitlement is lost entirely while savings remain at that level[1]

    Non-cash prizes, such as holidays, tablets, or gift experiences, are generally not treated as capital unless the recipient sells them.[1] This makes in-kind prizes a comparatively simpler outcome for anyone worried about savings thresholds, and it explains why many disabled compers deliberately favor competitions offering goods over cash.

    Staying Safe: Regulation, Scams, and Spending Limits

    Comping’s growth has not gone unnoticed by regulators. A May 2026 BBC report on prize draw addiction described the UK’s pay-to-enter sector as expanding rapidly, with some entrants prioritizing draws over essential spending.[3] The government has since called prize draws a “significant and growing market” and introduced a voluntary code of good practice.[3][11]

    Under that November 2025 code, updated through 2026, operators offering a genuinely free entry route avoid needing a gambling licence, but they must still meet fairness and transparency standards.[11] At least 177 operators had signed up by May 2026, agreeing to safeguards including age limits, bans on credit-card use for instant-win draws, and proportionate spending limits.[3][11]

    Separately, updated Advertising Standards Authority guidance from June 2026 requires promoters to run draws under proper supervision, award prizes as described, and clearly disclose significant conditions.[8] Crucially, promotions cannot require a payment simply to claim a prize.[8] Together, these protections create a more predictable environment for hobbyist entrants, including disabled people who may be more vulnerable to misleading offers.

    Disability Horizons recommends sticking mainly to free-to-enter competitions and avoiding overspending on paid entries, a habit that keeps comping genuinely low-cost.[1]

    Disability-Focused Competitions Beyond Prize Draws

    Comping for disabled people is not limited to retail giveaways. Several competitions actively center disability innovation and creativity, turning entering into a form of advocacy.

    The ITU’s Accessible Europe 2026 pitching competition invites accessible ICT projects through a structured submission and screening process, positioning disabled innovators as contributors rather than passive entrants.[2] The AccessCoVE Innovation Competition runs entirely online in English for students aged 12 to 18, with and without disabilities, allowing global participation regardless of access needs.[5]

    Elsewhere, Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility hackathon, launched with the University of Indonesia in 2026, invites young developers across Southeast Asia to build accessibility-focused AI tools through defined online submission phases.[6] Creative outlets exist too: the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge offers mentorship, production grants, and equipment prizes within a fixed challenge window, and other disability-focused contests cover modeling and journalism, often welcoming remote submissions.[7][12]

    Comping for Disabled People: Can Entering Competitions Be a Flexible Hobby That Lasts?

    Taken together, current evidence suggests comping can be a sustainable hobby for disabled people when approached with clear boundaries. Favoring free entries, understanding benefit rules, and choosing reputable or accessibility-themed competitions all reduce risk while preserving flexibility.[1][7] As regulators tighten consumer protections and more inclusive contests emerge, opportunities for disabled hobbyists to participate safely and meaningfully are likely to keep growing.[2][3][11]

    Conclusion

    Comping for disabled people can absolutely function as a flexible, low-pressure hobby, provided it stays firmly in “hobby” territory rather than becoming a financial plan. The practical next steps are straightforward: prioritize free entries, learn how cash versus non-cash prizes affect specific benefits, stick to regulated or code-signed operators, and consider disability-focused competitions that offer creative or advocacy value alongside prizes. Approached this way, comping fits naturally around variable health, offering enjoyment without added financial or bureaucratic risk.

    References

    [1] Comping For Disabled People Can Entering Competitions Be A Flexible Hobby – https://disabilityhorizons.com/2026/09/comping-for-disabled-people-can-entering-competitions-be-a-flexible-hobby/ [2] Pitching Competition – https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/Europe/Pages/Events/2025/12.03-04_Accessible%20Europe/PITCHING-COMPETITION.aspx [3] C86e7yv6en6o – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c86e7yv6en6o [5] Innovation Competition – https://accesscove.org/innovation-competition/ [6] Microsoft Gandeng Ftui Kompetisi Hackathon Ai For Accessibility 2025 – https://megapolitan.antaranews.com/berita/409557/microsoft-gandeng-ftui-kompetisi-hackathon-ai-for-accessibility-2025 [7] Competitions – https://www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/competitions/ [8] Promotional Marketing Prize Draws – https://www.asa.org.uk/advice-online/promotional-marketing-prize-draws.html [11] Voluntary Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators – https://www.gov.uk (referenced via [3]) [12] Competitions – https://www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/competitions/

  • Scarefest returns at Alton Towers! Win day out & overnight accommodation

    Scarefest returns at Alton Towers! Win day out & overnight accommodation

    Alton Towers Resort has revealed the brand-new scare maze coming to Scarefest 2026, promising to immerse guests in a world of fear.

    To celebrate the Daily Star is offering one lucky reader one night’s accommodation in Alton Towers Hotel or Splash Landings Hotel for a family of four (depending on your preferred visit date), one-day theme park entry to a selection of rides and attractions for four people, 4 silver fastrack passes & 4 water park passes. This amazing prize is valid on selected dates up to 1st November 2027.

    HOW TO ENTER – Simply complete the entry form below for your chance to win this amazing prize, click here if you cannot view the entry form;

    Competition closes at 11:45 on 1st November, 2026!

    Howard Ebison, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort said, “Inspired by the rich history of Alton Towers, Final Exhibit will be a scare maze like no other. Guests will come face-to-face with truly terrifying characters and finally uncover the long-hidden Alton Towers Resort archives – revealing unimaginable secrets alongside our returning favourite scare attractions.

    “It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned thrill seeker, or this is your first Scarefest – there’s something for everyone this Halloween.”

    Final Exhibit will see visitors enter what appears to be a spectacular exhibition of newly discovered Alton Towers artefacts, before being lured into the hidden archive of The Curator, a terrifying figure obsessed with preserving the past. Inside, they will encounter The Archivists, a silent workforce of hypnotised servants who carry out The Curator’s sinister orders and search for new additions to his Collection. Guests will soon discover that the collection is not made up of objects alone. Those who fail to escape are transformed into living exhibits, trapped within the archive Forever.

    The new scare maze Final Exhibit joins a packed Scarefest lineup, including fan favourites COMPOUND, The Edge of the Forest, Altonville Mine Tours: Tiny’s Revenge and more. Family scare mazes also set to return this year include Trick O’ Treat Town and Amigos in the Afterlife.

    Scarefest 2026 kicks off on Saturday 26 September 2026 and is available to book from then until Sunday 1 November 2026. To book tickets to be among the very first to experience the terrifying new scare maze, click here.

  • YOU COULD Win £1000 Oak Furnitureland voucher

    YOU COULD Win £1000 Oak Furnitureland voucher

    Whether it’s relaxing together on a luxurious CineLuxe sofa for family film nights, hosting a fun-filled Halloween gathering or enjoying a delicious meal around the dining table, Oak Furnitureland has everything you need to create a home that feels stylish, comfortable and welcoming.

    This month, one lucky winner could get their hands on a £1,000 Oak Furnitureland voucher, giving them the chance to refresh their home with furniture chosen in-store or online. With a wide range of styles and designs available, the hardest part may be deciding how to spend your prize!

    And with Oak Furnitureland’s Lifetime Furniture Guarantee, you can enjoy extra peace of mind, with the structural elements of its furniture designed to stand the test of time*. Whatever stage of life your home is at, Oak Furnitureland has pieces designed to grow with you.

    What are you waiting for? Enter your details below to be in with a chance of winning via the Daily Star If you can’t see the form, click here.

  • Aldi launches unusual jacket that transforms into a shopping bag in seconds

    Aldi launches unusual jacket that transforms into a shopping bag in seconds

    Aldi has come up with an unusual solution for one of the most common supermarket problems – forgetting your reusable shopping bags.

    The supermarket has unveiled its new “Swag For Life Jacket”, a waterproof jacket that can be transformed into a reusable shopping bag in around 10 seconds.

    The limited-edition garment is designed as a navy bomber jacket, complete with a funnel neck, pale blue and orange detailing, large pockets and Aldi branding. Once shoppers reach the checkout, the jacket can be folded away and converted into a grocery-sized bag.

    The unusual launch comes after research commissioned by Aldi found that 46% of Brits regularly forget to take their reusable bags when heading out for their weekly shop. The research also found that 85% of people have a collection of reusable bags at home, while 47% said they buy another bag at least once a month after forgetting to take one with them.

    Younger shoppers appear particularly interested in the idea, with 66% of Gen Z respondents saying they would find a jacket that doubles as a shopping bag useful.

    And forgetting a bag can lead to some inventive alternatives. Aldi’s research found that people have resorted to using everything from cardboard boxes and sports bags to buckets, picnic baskets and even wheelbarrows to get their groceries home.

    The jacket itself isn’t being added to Aldi’s regular clothing range. Instead, a limited number are being offered through an email giveaway, which launched on September 23.

    Those hoping to get their hands on one can enter by emailing their full name to SwagForLife@aldi.co.uk by October 6, 2026. Full terms and conditions are available through Aldi’s website.

    Aldi’s Chief Commercial Officer Julie Ashfield said the idea was designed to ensure shoppers would never be without a reusable bag at the checkout, describing the jacket as a practical option for the colder months.

    With autumn now arriving, Aldi’s quirky creation combines two everyday essentials into one – a jacket to wear and a shopping bag to carry.