Manchester’s most gigantic festive mascot has reappeared in the city centre at long last, watching out over the seasonal celebrations.
Our Giant Santa is back in his rightful place, standing at a whopping 12 metres tall and weighing in at more than 2.3 tonnes.
Perched atop his big twinkly present plinth, Giant Santa was the replacement to Manchester’s beloved long-time mascot, Zippy, who retired in 2019.
For another year, our big festive pal is in position outside the Central Library at St Peter’s Square, rather than in Albert Square which is still undergoing renovation works.
Commuters this morning noticed the moustachioed Santa being installed bit-by-bit by a crane.
He’s powered by low-energy LED lightbulbs and will make up part of the trail of light sculptures in place until after the New Year.
The trail of giant baubles, stars and bees will go from Winter Gardens (Piccadilly Gardens), to Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, Brazennose Street, Albert Square and St Peter’s Square.
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Giant Santa’s one of the main attractions once again, but there are some new things to discover along the trail too.
New this year is a section of the light trail that was designed by the city’s young people – those who won a competition have had their designed turned into lights by Blachere Illuminations.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas Spokesperson, said: “It’s snow joke that Santa Claus is back in the capital of Christmas for the holiday season. No one does Christmas like Manchester and Santa knows that!
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“This year there are lots of Christmas lights- dotted around the city centre. Perfect for those wanting to make some festive Christmas memories.
“I’d encourage everyone to get down to the city centre to see our Giant Santa and our wonderful illuminations. If you miss them, yule be sorry.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
What's On
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Daisy Jackson -
14th November 2022 
