Lots of people have been getting into the festive spirit by attending the annual Christmas Parade in Manchester city centre.
The family-friendly event – which is now in its third year, and has become a firm favourite with Greater Manchester locals – took place this past weekend, and saw everything from Aurora Borealis-themed stilt walkers, to Mistletoe dancing mice, and everything in between.
More than 400 participants took part in the Parade, and amongst these were a multitude of families, all ready to spread the Christmas cheer.
Like many events, there are always some familiar faces who visit every year, and 2024 was no different – with the Snow Queen returning to fascinate while perched in her winter-themed globe.
The Manchester Christmas Parade is taking place tomorrow! 🎅
Join us for a brilliant event of free, festive family fun in the city centre, starting at 1pm.🥳
There was live music from Elton Wrong performing on his stadium-inspired float, receiving nothing less than rapturous applause and a well-deserved standing ovation, all before some cheeky elves handed out 1,500 free hot chocolate vouchers to anyone who passed them by.
The big man himself came to our wonderfully festive city to mark the occasion with music from his band of mischievous elves.
Anyone who joined in on this weekend of fun will also have spotted the flurry of retro ski gear, as a huddle of segway skiers swooshed through the city’s streets.
This year saw the Manchester city centre Christmas Parade sponsored for the first time ever by Manchester-based company Rosgal Ltd.
Manchester City Council worked with many organisations for this year’s Parade, including Walk the Plank – which played a key role in Rochdale’s ‘Wild Wanders’ event – Global Grooves, Handmade Parade, and Fools Paradise.
The event as a whole helped families create lots of important memories while also adding a fun activity to their Christmas calendars.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Not only that, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on the new drink online from Amazon, as well as in selected Greene King pubs and bars.
Featured Image – Baileys & Tom Harrison (Supplied)
Christmas
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
Thomas Melia -
9th December 2024 
