fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

What's On

Manchester’s first ever Christmas opening ceremony is happening this weekend

Manchester’s First Day of Christmas will be celebrating the festive season in style

Avatar photo

Published

on

Manchester City Council

Manchester is going all out for Christmas this year with its first ever ‘First Day of Christmas’ ceremony. 

Now, the city is already gearing up to host a whole array of festive events following the disaster that was last Christmas (thanks, Covid), such as the return of the iconic Christmas Markets, the UK’s largest outdoor winter market and a ton of other mulled wine-fuelled fun.

But this year, for the first time, Manchester will be having its very own Christmas opening ceremony, complete with live bands and entertainment.

Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council

The city-wide event, organised by the Manchester Business Improvement District, will see more than fifty performers appear on the city’s streets throughout the day as they help Manchester not only celebrate the ‘first day of Christmas’, but bring a bit of festive joy to all.

Visitors will also be able to meet the beautiful puppet Aurora and her Arctic Fox in an unmissable roaming performance on Exchange Square by the Scandinavian Global Grooves, while stilt-walking reindeers making their way into the city centre.

Over at The Royal Exchange Manchester, visitors will be transported to Narnia where they can meet the Ice Queens at Photo Corner as well as see The Living Lamp Posts as they illuminate the streets of Manchester, while a life-size Snow Globe Queen entertains crowds over on St Ann’s Square.

Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council

Families will also be able to enjoy music courtesy of a live brass brand throughout the afternoon with Bloco Brass Band and, in the evening, SPARK! Band’s one of a kind light up Christmas Music Show.

Other entertainment will come courtesy of the Winter Circus as they welcome you into the city from Deansgate and onto Market Street.

First Day of Christmas celebrations will take place across the city this Saturday, November 13th, the day after the opening of the Christmas Markets. Locations and times of acts may change on the day, so head over to the council’s website for more information.

What's On

The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region

Get in the festive spirit!

Avatar photo

Published

on

Manchester Made Market

Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.

Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.

Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.

Manchester Made Market

Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.

There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.

Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.

Manchester Made Market

Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.

There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.

The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.

Manchester Made Market

Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.

Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.

Continue Reading

What's On

Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season

Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!

Avatar photo

Published

on

Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.

Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.

Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.

There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.

Matthew Nichol Photography

Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.

Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.

A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.

Cirq Delight

Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.

“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.

“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.

“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”

Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.

Continue Reading

What's On

The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year

Avatar photo

Published

on

The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.

One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.

The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.

Manchester Art Fair


A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.

Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.

Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.

You can grab them HERE.

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2024 Manchester's Finest Group