Festive Sundays return to Manchester with huge FREE Christmas events line-up

After a successful launch last year, Festive Sundays are set to make a return as part of the line-up of fantastic events happening across the city in the run up to Christmas.

The series of Festive Sundays will enchant the city with some winter magic as thousands are expected to flock to the streets once again while stunning parades dance and sing their way around town.

The countdown is officially on after the Manchester Christmas Markets opened on Friday November 10th, Big Santa took up residence in St Peter’s Square, and the ice-rink returned to Cathedral Gardens for all the skate enthusiasts.

To add to the list of seasonal activities, Festive Sundays are back this Sunday, November 26th, and will take place every following Sunday until December 17th.

Visitors to the city can embark on a wonderful wintery journey watching a parade of captivating street performers and illuminated acts take to the shopping streets across St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square and Manchester Arndale.

Spectators can expect giant roaming puppets, street performers, live music and much more.

All will be accompanied by the vibrant sights and sounds of the Fat Cat Brass Band and Bloco Band, who will bring ‘Christmas cheer and tunes’ to the streets of Manchester.

The magical takeover will also feature bewitching woodland creatures including larger-than-life robins, the meandering arctic fox, a giant snowy owl – and Handmade Parade’s beautiful, illuminated reindeer.

The parades promise to ‘capture the imaginations’ and ‘bring festive magic’ to all. Come along with friends and family and enjoy an unforgettable day in the city together.

The Festive Sundays will see parades taking place all over the city. Here’s a quick run down of where and when they will be taking place:

Sunday November 26th

Parades will be held in Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street, and Deansgate from 12-7pm.

To kick start the season, street performers will be accompanied by musical bands as contagious Christmas cheer quickly spreads across town.

Sunday December 3rd

Parades will seen all across the city centre starting from 1pm.

Processions of spectacular characters, magical performances, and extraordinary acts will weave their way through the city’s streets to ‘sprinkle pure festive magic’.

Sunday December 10th & 17th

Visitors will see a stunning ‘Toy Procession’ take to Manchester’s iconic Christmas Markets as we edge closer to the big day.

Parades will take place at St Ann’s Square at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.

Festive Sundays are free to attend and welcome families and all to enjoy.