Christmas

You’ll be able to ride The Polar Express train up north this Christmas

Hot chocolates and cookies in your PJs.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 27th July 2023

Fans of the hit Christmas film The Polar Express will be able to bring the magic to life this year, when a train experience visits the north of England.

For the first time, the enchanting event The Polar Express Train Ride will visit Yorkshire, promising a blend of theatre and all the wonder of the Great British steam engine.

On board, guests – who are actively encourage to arrive in pyjamas and dressing gowns – are treated to hot chocolates and cookies alongside live performances, The Hoot Leeds reports.

Inspired by 2004 hit film The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks, where a boy boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole (aka the home of Santa Claus) the Yorkshire event hopes to bring the magic of the season to life. 

The Polar Express Train Ride is set to depart from Bolton Abbey Station from NoA new David Bowie-inspired gyros kitchen has opened in Manchestervember through to Christmas Eve. 

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Guests arrive to the train station – hopefully cosy in their pyjamas – ready to board the magical train, with friendly chefs helping you to find your seats. 

Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experience
Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experience
Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experience
Passengers are welcomed by singing chefs
Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experience
Hot chocolates and cookies are served
Actors on board The Polar Express Train Ride experience
Guests will get to meet Santa

Then as the train begins its journey, iconic moments from the Christmas classic film will come to life with some of the film’s most beloved characters. 

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Santa and his elf might even make a special appearance to deliver the first gift of Christmas…

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway said: “Do you believe? We at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway certainly do and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting magical experience like no other. 

“The Polar Express Train Ride is coming to Bolton Abbey in 2023 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture The Polar Express being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. 

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“Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!”

Tickets are on sale now, with classic tickets priced between £33.95 and £44.95 – that includes hot chocolate, a golden ticket, reserved seats in the historic carriages, a freshly baked cookie, and a gift from Santa. 

You can also book premium seats for £43.95 to £54.95, which includes all of the above plus a The Polar Express Train Ride souvenir mug, a goodie bag, and seats in Premium Class. 

Accessible tickets and SEN experiences are also available. 

Find out more and book here. 

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Featured image: The Polar Express Train Ride

Christmas

The Pogues announce Manchester gig on first tour since death of frontman Shane MacGowan

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Pogues announce first tour since the death of Shane MacGowan

The Pogues have announced their first UK tour since the death of former frontman, Shane MacGowan, with Manchester one of just half a dozen cities chosen.

Nearly a full year on from his death at just 65, the Anglo-Irish favourites best known for their eternal Christmas classic, ‘Fairytale of New York’, are gearing up for their first outing since their iconic lead singer’s passing as a celebration of his life and their seminal second album.

It’s been 13 years since their last headline tour shortly before their split and it will be 40 years since the release of Rum Sodomy and the Lash by the time they hit the road along with special guests.

Safe to say it’ll be an emotional series of shows for everyone involved.

Revealing just six shows here in the UK, the long-standing band are set to play their sophomore release in full as well as a selection of their greatest hits.

The tour will feature remaining original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Peter Richard ‘Spider’ Stacy, as well as a series of support that are yet to be confirmed.

Speaking on the upcoming dates, The Pogues said: “After the uproarious bash which was the 40th anniversary of our first record, Red Roses for Me, in 2024, we wanted to do it again, but with Rum Sodomy & the Lash.”

The music veterans are remaining tight-lipped about who they’re bringing along but they have promised their selections have been “thoughtfully chosen”.

With MacGowan, lead guitarist Philip Chevron (2013), bassist Darryl Hunt (2022) and long-time collaborator Kirsty MacColl (2000) now having passed away, the band will be roping in plenty of help on vocals and instrumentation.

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Even though the gigs themselves will be coming at the of next spring, you can rest assured you’ll get to hear your beloved festive ballad.

Kicking off the tour in Leeds, The Pogues will play their first Manchester show in over a decade – and without Shane MacGowan front and centre – at the O2 Apollo on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

General admission will be available from 9:30am on Friday, 22 November but you can access pre-sale by registering via their website by 5pm this Tuesday (19 November).

Get ready to grab your tickets HERE.

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Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/Mordac (via Flickr)

Christmas

Hot Blobs – Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?

It’s funny how we all turn a blind eye to the temperature outside when it comes to the Christmas Markets.

At a time of year where should probably all be hibernating inside, droves of us instead head out to brave the elements all in the name of the festivities.

Of course, the Manchester Christmas Markets sell all sorts of wares to take the edge off, and we’re not just talking about the stalls selling woollen mittens everywhere.

Our favourite winter warmers tend to take the form of a tray of piping hot garlic potatoes, or a mug of hot chocolate, or another boozy beverage that’s massively underrated.

The drink in question is a Hot Blob, which is listed on the menu at the Piccadilly Gardens markets as ‘legendary’.

A bold claim, but a lot of long-time Manc residents will understand why.

The Hot Blob is a jaw-clenchingly sweet concoction served piping hot at the Manchester Christmas Market, similar to a hot toddy.

It’s made with Australian fortified white wine, lemon, sugar, and boiling water.

Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?
Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?
Hot Blobs – Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it? Credit: The Manc Group

The drink was first invented by Yates, that well-known pub chain, which started life as Yates’s Wine Lodge up the road in Oldham.

According to Pubs of Manchester, the Hot Blob has a tendency to ‘speed up drunkenness to a young drinker’.

These days, it’s pretty rare to come across one on a menu, but back in 1990s it was a staple in a few pubs around town.

There even used to be a ‘Blob Shop’ on High Street, run by local legend Ged Ford (now in charge of the equally legendary Millstone pub), which found itself in a state of utter carnage when the IRA bomb went off.

The long-lost institution specialised in ‘cheap wine, cheap beer, and plenty of blobs’.

The old Yates Blob Shop on High Street, Manchester. Credit: deltrems@flickr

Ged sold 6,000 a week.

And while the drink may have fallen out of favour since then, there are still healthy numbers being sold at this time of year, even if they are a damn sight more expensive than they were in the 1990s (£6 a pop, plus a glass deposit).

Anyway. If you’re sick to the back teeth of the endless gluhwein being peddled across the markets, make a beeline for Manchester Winter Ale House at Piccadilly Gardens, where you can find Hot Blobs as well as boozy Vimto and cask ales.

The Manchester Christmas Markets officially end on 22 December.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

More Christmas

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Christmas

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine

Manchester has been named one of the top winter destinations in Europe. Credit: The Manc Group

Christmas

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