What exactly is Black Friday 2015? Everything you need to understand the big sales day

Black Friday could see you grab some incredible bargains, but what shops are getting involved this year? Here's everything you need to know

Customers grabbing bargains in Asda on Black Friday

Black Friday is coming fast, the day where bargain hunters across the country (and world) try and grab themselves a great deal heading into the festive period.

The annual shopping bonanza has been a huge hit in America for years, but now shoppers on this side of the pond can look forward to a day of huge discounts as more and more UK retailers get in on the fun and games.

An estimated £810 MILLION was splashed out on Black Friday in the UK last year - more than double the year before - as websites crashed and people fought in the aisles to grab deals, so as you plan your shopping spree we have all the information you need.

When is it? When does it start? And what UK retailers are getting involved? Patience, we've got you covered.

There were some stunning offers last year, many of them released before Black Friday itself. We've got dedicated pages for what's going to be happening at the biggest retailers on Flack Friday (above) while ensure you stay ahead of the crowds, we've got a guide to finding Black Friday deals here.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday was originally an American tradition, dropping on the day after Thanksgiving each year. Retailers offer massive discounts on a masses of products in an attempt to persuade you to spend you're hard earned in the run-up to Christmas. But UK retailers have jumped on the bandwagon in recent years so bargain hunters over here get the chance at some festive deals.

When is Black Friday?

This year Black Friday will happen on Friday 27th November. However, some retailers will start their week of deals on Monday 23th November.

Why is it called Black Friday?

Nobody's entirely sure, but most suggestions surround how businesses and retailers detail their finances. Many shops see the biggest profits of the year on Black Friday. Many businesses will detail their gains in black ink (and losses in red ink), hence the name.

What time will it start?

Stores in the United States will open their doors to the hordes as early as 5 am and many high street retailers this side of the pond will open early at 6 am. Many of the best deals will be found online when the deals go live at midnight.

Doesn't it get a bit rowdy?

It can do. In the States, the day has a reputation for turning otherwise rational, mild-mannered shoppers into feral, bargain hunting maniacs. Fights frequently break out over the last reduced telly on the pile - and this spread a little to the UK last year, with a few isolated incidents being reported.

Of course, you can avoid all this by buying online.

Which UK retailers will be doing Black Friday?

Apple

Amazon UK

The entertainment retailer has been running Black Friday deals over here since 2010 and this year is no different. This time around, they promise thousands of lightning deals - time and quantity limited offers on some of their best products to take place for a week from Monday, November 23.

John Lewis

John Lewis has joined the Black Friday train, as part of their commitment to being "Never Knowingly Undersold". They say they'll be matching the prices of all their competitors, and laying on great value offers on laptops, televisions, small and large electricals and more.

Asda

Asda hasn't announced any of its Black Friday deals yet but has been credited for bringing Black Friday to the UK (being owned by US retail giant Wal-Mart).

It's all but certain there'll be some corkers in store. Last year, the supermarket chain claimed to have sold a month's worth of televisions in 45 minutes, with electronics sales up 400% compared to the same week the previous year.

Tesco

The Tesco Black Friday deals went big in 2014 and look set to go bigger this year
Last year Tesco went big on Black Friday, with astonishing deals on TVs, PS4s and X-Boxes, iPads, toys and furniture.

Expect more of the same - especially as Tesco is currently pushing as hard as it can to cut prices and keep up with the likes of Aldi and Lidl.

Marks & Spencer

Marks and Spencer is going big this year

M&S joined in with Black Friday for the first time last year and liked it so much it's promised "jaw-dropping sales this year".

And no surprise, given the number of people who rushed their last year when they were offering 30% off homeware and clothing and up to 20% off food - both online and in-store.