Wandering around twinkling light installations has become a popular festive activity for thousands every winter, and thanks to a new Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park, you don’t even need to leave the city centre to see one.
This brand new trail (in Manchester‘s brand new 6.5 acre park) brings a giant Christmas tree that flashes in time to music, disco ball installations over the river, a fire pit area where you can roast marshmallows, and a spirograph tunnel.
It even has a disco soundtrack curated by nightlife favourites La Discotheque and the play park has been included in the trail for the little ones.
The dazzling light trail runs alongside Winter Island, Freight Island’s seasonal festival, where some of the city’s best food operators will be serving Christmas specials.
The Twilight Trail itself is a budget-friendly festive activity with tickets starting from just £9, and is just a short walk from the trains, buses and trams that stop at Manchester Piccadilly.
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The immersive winter light trail is the first of its kind to be held at Mayfield Park and will run all the way through to New Year’s Eve.
Visitors will join The Twilight Trail at the main entrance to the park, then spend around 30 minutes exploring, surrounded by twinkling illuminations.
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The light trail ends at Freight Island itself, where you can dig in to the Winter Island food offering or say hi to the Big Man himself at a Visit Santa Experience.
There’s plenty of food and drink on offer, from a build-your-own boozy hot chocolate bar from Cocoa Cabana, to the Smoking Coal German BBQ, serving a whole bratwurst menu, Schweinshaxe in a bun, and a classic hog roast butty.
Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s. Credit: The Manc GroupCocoa Cabana hot chocolates at The Twilight Trail and Freight IslandA Yorkshire pudding hot dog at The Smoking Coal at Freight Island
Cheese fanatics will want to take a quick detour to Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s, where you can tuck into all sorts of oozy, melty cheese dishes, like Italian-American toasties, deep fried burrata, melted Camembert, and roast potatoes with poutine toppings.
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That’s not to mention all of Freight Island’s resident traders – Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria, Patel’s Pies, Payal, Mia’s Arepas, FUKU, Mega Gyros, Oh My Cheesecake, and Fry-By are all open for business as usual too.
The Visit Santa Experience will take over the Plant Room, where for £22.50 kids can meet Father Christmas and his elves, receiving a small Lego gift, a Lindt Chocolate and photo opportunity (it’s free for accompanying adults).
Laura Percy, development director at LandSecU+I, leading the regeneration of Mayfield, said: “The new Twilight Trail promises to be a brilliant addition to both Mayfield Park and the whole of Manchester city centre, complementing the Christmas markets, which are such a popular destination for thousands of visitors every year.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our neighbours in Ardwick and Brunswick, particularly families, a large number of complimentary tickets so that as many people as possible can come and enjoy the Trail.
“The spirit of innovation at Mayfield is long-established and it’s great to see our partners at Freight Island continuing to push the boundaries with this exciting autumn programme.”
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The spirograph tunnel at the Twilight Trail. Credit: The Manc GroupA light tunnel at The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park
Jon Drape from The Twilight Trail said: “We are thrilled to bring a new festive experience to Mayfield Park this year.
“The Twilight Trail’s unique light installations will completely transform this incredible park. We are very proud to be able to deliver such a wonderful experience at an affordable price this year, whether for the family, groups of friends or a date night.
“Combined with the opportunity to visit the brand-new Winter Island next door we believe Depot Mayfield is set to be an unrivalled Christmas destination in the UK.”
Adult tickets are £9 in November and £10 in December, while family tickets start at £28. Children under two go free.
Featured image: The Manc Group
What's On
Hear stories from Coronation Street legends in all-new live shows
Thomas Melia
Members of Coronation Street are spilling all the secrets of the cobbles to live audiences with a brand new series of Q&A sessions across the country, including right here in its hometown of Manchester, of course.
Although Weatherfield may only be up the road (hypothetically), it’s not every day you’re face to face with TV soap royalty, but this newly announced live show makes the impossible, possible.
Soap lovers will be able to find out all the tales, trials and tribulations cast members have had on set and swap the comfort of their own homes for a front-row seat at the theatre.
This night is perfect for Corrie lovers, whether you’ve been following the show since its humble beginnings in 1960 or tagged on later when it became a face of British TV culture, everyone is welcome.
The event is titled, simply, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street‘ and will feature five cast members as well as one surprise ‘Corrie legend’ who will all vary depending on each show.
So far eight names have been released and this includes some of the soap’s many famous faces, Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor).
There’s room for fresher talent too as Jodie Prenger is attending after only joining the cobbles in 2022 as Glenda Shuttleworth.
Be it the long-standing favourites or the new faces you want to know more about, there’s something for everyone in what is a first for ITV’s long-standing and multi-award-winning continuing drama.
Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor)Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Other stars you might also get to see at your show are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).
The all-new Coronation Street shows, interview and Q&A series are kicking off in London with shows set for Sheffield, Glasgow and obviously here in 0161.
Of course, keeping these Coronation Street stars in check will be no easy feat and that’s why these shows will be hosted by the self-proclaimed ‘Soap Queen of This Morning‘, Sharon Marshall.
New monthly artisan markets to return to popular site in Levenshulme
Emily Sergeant
New day and night artisan markets are set to take over the site of the popular former Levenshulme Market this spring.
Manchester City Council has collaborated with Independent Street, known for its successful events around the North West, to bring a new market offering to the Manchester suburb – with freshly-baked produce, independent food stalls, and unique artisan products.
The new market, aptly called The Levy Artisan Market, will take place during the day on the second Sunday of every month.
There’ll also be an exciting night market on the last Friday of every month.
The Levy Artisan Market is set to showcase Manchester’s array of artisans and creators, while also helping to drive footfall into the vibrant area of Levenshulme and its already-established shops, cafes, restaurants, and independents.
The monthly Sunday markets will offer lots of family-focused events, including live entertainment, children’s workshops, food tastings, and cultural celebrations.
The monthly Friday night markets, on the other hand, will offer a newly-designed food court area with some of the best street food in town, as well as live music and a large seating area for people to kick back, relax, and welcome in the weekend.
Local councillors have collaborated with Manchester City Council to bring markets back to Levenshulme, after they have been deeply missed by both residents and visitors in recent years.
The Council hopes the new artisan market ‘fosters a strong sense of belonging’, by encouraging people to shop locally, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the diversity of Levenshulme.
New monthly artisan markets are returning to a popular site in Levenshulme this spring / Credit: MCC
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome back Levy’s loyal customers and introduce the new Levy Artisan Market to a new generation of visitors,” commented Lisa Cowley, who is the Director of Independent Street.
“With a focus on community, sustainability, and high-quality, local produce, we hope to make Levy Artisan Market the heart of Manchester for years to come.”
Daisy Jackson -
15th November 2023 
