Manchester is getting the UK’s biggest outdoor heated winter market this Christmas

The sad but inevitable news that the Manchester Christmas Markets have officially been cancelled was announced today.

While some people will be absolutely gutted about this, fear not, there is still some hope for the festive season in Manchester this year.

Escape To Freight Island has announced the next stage of its evolution at Depot Mayfield this week, revealing that the new Winter Island markets will join The Ticket Hall.

You can expect family-friendly enchantment and festive food, drink and entertainment this Christmas, when Winter Island opens its doors on Thursday November 12th.

Escape to Freight Island

When it opens, Winter Island will become the UK’s largest fully outdoor, heated winter market, with a 45ft Christmas tree and a massive 1500sqft garden tent full of festive traders and stalls to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The likes of Great North Pie, a bratwurst grill, traditional hog roast, a mulled wine and hot cider hut, local chocolatier and artisanal cheese stall will be in attendance, to keep you fed and watered.

This is just some of what you can expect at Winter Island:

• Traditional Hog Roast
• A Mulled Wine and Hot Cider Hut
• A Local Chocolatier
• An Artisan Cheese Stall
• Winter Ice Curling Rink
• Hot Chip and Alfos
• Just The Tonic Comedy Nights
• A Festival No.6 Take Over
• A Big Brass Band
• Disney Singalong
• A Stunning Installation Feature By Lightopia
• A Huge 45ft Christmas Tree
  

Escape to Freight Island recently confirmed the first part of its new development over at Depot Mayfield, following a hugely successful launch and summer, revealing The Ticket Hall – which opens on October 30th and will see the venue double in capacity.

This next chapter at Platform 15 will see a whole host of new food vendors arrive at the venue, taking over the industrial indoor area, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy top scran from some of your favourite local eateries down at Freight Island.

Escape to Freight Island

Taking over the original structure within Depot Mayfield, there will be a fully heated area with table seating, a wine shop, bars, a bike cloakroom, as well as a new stage and top entertainment lineup.

Joining the amazing Baratxuri, Voodoo Rays, Patty Queen and Madre, there will be some of Manchester’s favourite food and drink vendors, including:

• Sugo Pasta Kitchen – The famous pasta restaurant based in Ancoats bringing stunning Italian food will be setting up shop.
• Mi & Pho – An award-winning family-run restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese dishes.
• Plant Grill – From Dan Hope of Fire Bird Hope and Krum fame, Plant Grill will be a vegan offering of modern cuisine.
• El Boleto – A San Sebastian-style Deli serving up delicious small plates and freshest
  produce to enjoy at home or on-site.
• The Jane Eyre – Classic drinks with a twist.

There will also be two taprooms in The Ticket Hall from Camden Town and Pomona, alongside Forever Changes – an independent wine shop.

The site will continue to operate under the world leading ‘Safe + Social Manifesto’, meaning Escape to Freight Island is committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

This means it’s: “A space where you are able to socialise safely with your party, maintaining social distance from others and remaining alert to the risks of coronavirus, while being part of the overall urban festival atmosphere of Freight Island”.

You can get booked in for the Ticket Hall and Winter Island here.