Festive
That time of year again already? To help you get into the festive mood, we've laid on seasonal events for all the family. Lights, fireworks and markets with all kinds of gifts and tempting treats from across Europe... now all we need for a perfect Christmas is a sprinkling of snow!
ON ICE
MID NOVEMBER 2007 – EARLY JANUARY 2008
MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
After the success of last year’s ultimate winter experience in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester’s open-air ice rink returns to the city centre, so grab a partner and go for a twirl on the ice. Tickets will be on sale from early October. www.manchesterlive.co.uk
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
18 NOVEMBER — 22 DECEMBER 2008
ALBERT SQUARE, ST ANN’S SQUARE, EXCHANGE STREET
NEW CATHEDRAL STREET, BRAZENNOSE STREET, EXCHANGE SQUARE
Firmly established as a festive favourite, Manchester Christmas Markets celebrate their 10th birthday this year. The traditional, twinkling chalets will be bursting with gift ideas, seasonal produce and luxury goods from across Europe. Whether you call in after work, make it your venue for a special, social get-together or a family day out, soak up the wonderful sights, sounds and aromas of festive cheer at one of the country’s top, winter attractions. www.manchesterchristmasmarkets.com
Chris Fountain skates on Spinningfields Ice Rink
SPINNINGFIELDS ICE RINK
UNTIL 4 JANUARY 2009
SPINNINGFIELDS, OFF DEANSGATE, MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
Manchester’s open-air ice rink returns for 2008 in an exciting new location in the heart of the city centre. Hardman Boulevard at Spinningfields will be transformed into the ultimate winter fun destination with dazzling ice rink, sparkling Christmas trees, contemporary yuletide decorations and plenty of quality eateries in the vicinity. It’s an unmissable family friendly experience.
Tickets:
Adults (aged 17 and over): £8.50; Senior (aged 60 and over and Student (with NUS): £7.50; Youth (13 to 16): £7.50; Child (12 and under): £6; Child (under 5): free. Family, group and student rates available. For full ticket information and session times, go to www.spinningfieldsicerink.com
To pre-book tickets call 0870 066 6846* or go to www.quaytickets.com (with booking fee).
*Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, calls from other providers may vary.
SNOW SLIDE
4 DECEMBER— 4 JANUARY 2009
PICCADILLY GARDENS
This Christmas, Piccadilly Gardens hosts Manchester’s new slide experience. Feel the alpine rush as you whizz down the 50 metre long open air slide (artificial Astroturf surface). Everyone can have a go – no skill or previous experience required!
At the bottom, stroll through the fir trees and Christmas lights to enjoy a refreshing drink or snack in the alpine chalet.
Opening times:
Sunday - Friday: 11am - 9pm. Saturday: 10am - 9pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Minimum height restriction: 1.1m unless accompanied by an adult.
Please note: slide surface is white Astroturf.
For more information go to www.manchesterlive.co.uk
THE NORTH POLE - MANCHESTER'S WINTER BAR
UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2008
CATHEDRAL GARDENS, NEXT TO URBIS
Christmas will be considerably cooler in Manchester this year with the opening of The North Pole – the city's first festive 'pop-up' marquee bar & restaurant, next to Urbis.
Award-winning chef Robert Owen Brown has created a bespoke menu of rich meaty stews and broths to savour throughout the day and night. Acclaimed Northern Quarter bar manager Adam Binnersley has taken care of the drinks with his unique range of spiced winter cocktails, including mulled wine sweetened with Manchester's own Vimto. The restaurant can cater for Christmas parties of any size with special credit-crunching deals on a two-course dinner plus winter cocktail.
Music in the 300-capacity bar will be a laid-back mix including one-off DJ performances and club nights and could be anything from Northern Soul to rare covers of Christmas classics from Kingston, Jamaica.
For information go to www.northpolebar.com