Manchester has the Christmas Factor
7 October 2009
X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to star at the Switch-On, Markets in every square, the return of the Ice Rink and surprises in Piccadilly Gardens.
This year, residents and visitors alike can "see what Manchester's made of" with more choice than ever and experience a huge range of shopping, entertainment, art, culture and cuisine.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Thursday 12 November, 7.00pm - 8.00pm,
Albert Square, Manchester
This Christmas Manchester's programme of festive events is even more exciting than ever and to officially start the season, Manchester City Council and its Christmas Lights Switch-on media partner Key 103 have lined up The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to bring glamour and sparkle as she performs at the ceremony. The annual Switch-On, in the UK's number one Christmas city is a free event which attracts thousands into the city's biggest square and heralds the beginning of the countdown to Christmas.
Spinningfields Ice Rink
12 November 2009 - 3 January 2010, Spinningfields, Manchester
The Christmas ice rink returns to Spinningfields for a second year, providing a fun, festive treat in a magical setting - the perfect location for a family outing or office party.
Illuminated Art Car Parade, Manchester,
Thursday 26 November 6.30 pm - 8.00pm,
Manchester City Centre
New for Christmas 2009, mechanical mischief from Walk the Plank. A free event with vehicles created by artists from all over the country. The parade features cars, bikes and pedal-powered vehicles in all shapes and sizes and includes a musical milk float and an Ice Palace built around a white hearse!
Preview: Cathedral Gardens from 3.00pm - 6.30pm
Parade starts at 6.30pm in Cathedral Gardens to Albert Square.
Prize giving Mount Street 7.30pm
Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester City Centre
18 November - 21 December
One of the city's consistent success stories, the Christmas Markets return this year with yet more stalls, making the city centre a hive of bazaars. St Ann's Square sees the return of the original German Christmas Market from Frankfurt, where Manchester tasted its very first Glühwein! The markets extend to Albert Square's European Christmas Market, through Brazennose Street, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street and Exchange Street leading into St Ann's Square. In addition, Piccadilly Gardens will host a Farmers' Market on 11 and 12 December and a "Real Food" Christmas Market from 13 - 19 December. Also new for 2009 are the weekend art, craft and gift stalls at a new location outside the Triangle shopping centre, each Thursday to Sunday for the duration of the market.
Piccadilly Gardens
Look out for the announcement of a new attraction in Piccadilly Gardens over the festive season.
Councillor Pat Karney City Centre Chief said "Manchester is famous all over the UK for its amazing Christmas programme and we hope that residents and visitors will enjoy what's in store this year. The atmosphere in Manchester at this time of year is fantastic and we are sure that everyone will find something to enjoy in this year's sparkling events programme."
