Record-breaking start to Manchester’s Christmas Markets

More visitors than ever before.

Markets confirm their spot as the UK's Number One.

Manchester's award-winning Christmas Markets have had a record-breaking opening weekend.

More than 67,500 people visited Albert Square on Saturday - the busiest day of trade ever seen on the square.

The visitors were able to take advantage of a new layout on the square which allows more room for people to enjoy a gluwein and a sausage.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester's Christmas spokesperson, said: "We're bowled over by the phenomenal numbers who are visiting the markets this year - people come from far and wide to experience Manchester's magical Christmas.

"We always pride ourselves in being the city that first brought European-style markets to the UK, and these numbers show that we are not only the first, but also the biggest - and the best.

"It's great that the changes to the layout have also made the square feel less crowded. Albert Square has always been the most popular venue, but this year we have eight locations across the city centre, from St Ann's Square to the Triangle, so if it is busy at one location there's always the option to go to another. They're all of the highest quality.

"In these difficult times, it is fantastic to see the markets bucking the trend. They have a vital role to play in attracting visitors to the city centre in the run-up to Christmas. If the opening weekend is anything to go by, we could be looking at the most successful Christmas Markets ever."

Independent research commissioned by Manchester City Council in 2009 shows that the markets generate an economic benefit to the city of £50m.