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Giant Halloween monsters have taken over Manchester again – in pictures, and where to see them

The monster invasion is back in town.

Daisy Jackson - 26th October 2022

Halloween is one of the festive occasions that Manchester really likes to throw itself in to – from the pumpkin-shaped lanterns that fill the trees to the special events that draw thousands to the city centre.

The ever-popular giant inflatable monsters have crept back onto rooftops and buildings over the course of this weekend.

Anyone passing through town this week will notice that our landmarks have been overrun with colourful tentacles and googly eyes and pointed teeth.

It’s all part of Halloween in the City, Manchester Business Improvement District (BID)’s programme of shockingly good Halloween events, which will culminate with a family-friendly weekend on 29 and 30 October.

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This year, families are encouraged to don their best fancy dress to come and join in with the activities.

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Manchester’s monsters have been created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas and there are 14 to discover.

You can see the full list, photos of the monsters around Manchester, and find the full trail map below…

The monster trail around Manchester. Credit: Manchester BID

Rex-Tacular – Royal Exchange, St Ann’s Square

The monsters are back. Credit: The Manc Group

The monsters are back. Credit: The Manc Group

Krampus – Kampus

Snozzer – Manchester Arndale, above Next

Eye-Scream – Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens

Superstar Mon-star – AO Arena

Dave – The Oast House

Sprites – Selfridges, Exchange Square

Horrible Harvey – Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral Street

Bloodoo Child – New Century at NOMA

Sucker – The F E Sea monster – The Stile, Meadowside

Lockelin – Whitworth Locke, Princess Street

Scary Garry – Opposite Selfridges, Exchange Square (28 – 30 October only)

Spooky Nelson – Outside Zara, New Cathedral Street (28 – 30 October only)

Ooey & Gooey – St Ann’s Square, opposite McDonald’s (28 – 30 October only)

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets

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 Markets in 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.

Best sandwich at Manchester Christmas Markets. — How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?

The best cheesy things at Manchester Christmas Markets. — How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?

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.

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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.

Although the tour doesn’t include the cost for the amount of gifts and presents you’re about to buy while walking round the event, it’s definitely an innovative way to explore everything Manchester has to offer at Christmastime.

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.

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Featured Image: The Manc Group

News

A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore

Thomas Melia Christmas toy train Wigan

Christmas toy train Wigan

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.

xmas train wigan — 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.

festive events wigan — The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.

wigan toy train — The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.

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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.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lee Boswell (supplied)