An enormous open-air dance floor is going to appear in Manchester this December, with a massive programme of entertainment.
It’s all part of the Frost Fair, which is returning to the Whitworth grounds and will also include an outdoor cinema, fireworks display, and markets.
Over the weekend of December 4 and 5, between 11am and 7pm, there’ll be an action-packed programme of fun and laughter for all the family.
Manchester’s largest dancefloor will be outside the front entrance of the Whitworth gallery – or entertainment square – complete with a main stage presenting a musical extravaganza.
On Saturday the legendary MC Kwasi will be hosting the stage to introduce the Frost Fair’s incredible line up starting with the Afro-Latin, Caribbean and Middle Eastern sound of Me Gusta Collective.
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Later in the afternoon, Manchester’s favourite duo Mr Scruff and Mikey D.O.N will take the stage.
Sunday’s line up includes the Manchester rock band PINS, DJ Paulette and A Certain Ratio.
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Both days, The Playhouse Project featuring the Disco Mums will be entertaining the grown-ups and little-uns from 11am and expect to see the House of Ghetto gang strutting their stuff around the place.
The grand finale is marked by a fantastic firework display from Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s foremost outdoor arts companies – it marks a tribute to all the front-line workers who risked their lives during the pandemic.
Step inside the gallery to find an array of craft market stalls from local artisans, delicious international street food and several hands-on activities.
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The Art Garden is a celebration of how gardens and plants supported our well-being during the lockdowns.
Stroll through the magical winter garden during the day then later, take a seat, because it transforms into an outdoor cinema screening the all-time Christmas favorite ‘Elf’.
Francine Hayfron, Cultural Park Keeper of Whitworth Gallery said: “There’s something for everyone. Whether you want to get create in a workshop, watch some amazing acts and have a dance, enjoy some food and drink, or relax and watch a film we’ve got you covered.”
The Frost Fair is free to attend and is located at The Whitworth, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER.
Featured image: Supplied.
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You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Dolly Busby -
19th November 2021 
