City Centre

What Mancunians think of the Christmas Markets’ new home at troubled Piccadilly Gardens

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 12th November 2021

The Manchester Christmas Markets have moved to a new location at Piccadilly Gardens this year, but what to Mancs really think about the festivities being centred in this troubled part of the city centre?

When the news was announced that the Christmas Markets’ main hub would have to relocate this year – ongoing renovation works on the Town Hall have meant that Albert Square is off-limits – the reaction was pretty predictable.

Many people were concerned about the incidents of drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour at Piccadilly Gardens, making quips about ‘spiced’ drinks in reference to the synthetic cannabinoid.

But that was before the markets were actually open, totally transforming the infamous part of the city centre into the ‘Winter Gardens’ and a hub of hive of live music, street food and market stalls.

The ‘Winter Gardens’, the new main hub of the Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group

Two huge wooden platforms have been built at Piccadilly Gardens, each surrounded by huts selling food and drink.

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There’s a live music stage for the first time, furniture made from repurposed wooden pallets, and walls filled with plants.

A large part of the new site is under cover too, making it far more weather-proof than previous Christmas Markets.

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The Off-Piste Bar at Piccadilly Gardens / Credit: The Manc Group

The festive light trail has even parked up here, including a giant glowing ‘MCR’ sign and an arch of shooting stars you can walk through.

For the most part, local people seem to be pleasantly surprised, with thousands flooding to the comments of The Manc‘s live tour.

John Paul wrote: “Massive improvement on the area. It’s been Manchester City centres let down for decades. Can they stay until Easter.”

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Nancy Morris said: “That’s the best that Piccadilly Gardens has looked since the actual Gardens were concreted over. Well done”

Sue Taylor posted: “I like the idea of using all recycled materials, well done, looks good”

The Winter Gardens the night before they officially opened / Credit: The Manc Group

One person couldn’t believe their eyes, commenting: “Oh my god is that Piccadilly gardens????”

However, many were disappointed at the lack of Christmas spirit, with one person saying it’s “Just a food and drink market.”

Read more: Everything you need to know about the Manchester Christmas Markets 2021

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Most of the traders at Piccadilly Gardens are serving only food or drink, though there are a few gift stalls too.

The bulk of the shopping markets have been moved to the other sites along Market Street, Exchange Square and St Ann’s Square.

One person wrote: “Weres all the gift stalls , and weres the Christmas decor just looks like a giant pallet yard p*ss up ,”

Ali Humphries posted: “Awful. Nothing like the original markets, just a food and drink market”

Featured Image: The Manc Group

City Centre

The free stuff your mum can get in Manchester for Mother’s Day

Danny Jones Danny Jones

If there’s one thing we know for sure it’s that none of us would be lucky enough to be on this planet were it not for our mums, and we think the least they deserve is for things to be made easy, comfortable and, ideally, free wherever possible when it comes to Mother’s Day here in Manchester.

Now, we don’t live in a perfect so unfortunately not everyone Manc mum is going to be able swan into their favourite place and expect a complimentary this and a gratis that.

However, there are guite a few places in Manchester city centre doing the right things and giving away some free stuff for Mother’s Day 2025, so we thought we’d round them up for you and, more importantly, the person who helped bring you into the world.

Let’s get into, shall we?

Six freebies mums can score in Manchester this Mother’s Day

Albert’s Schloss – Deansgate

What better to begin than with a top-notch breakfast spot? Albert’s Schloss on Peter St is not only one of the best places to start or end a day out but they also do brilliant early morning offerings. Plus, this Mother’s Day, you can wash down your Bavarian brekkie with a free spritz, because why the hell not?

You can book online now.

The Trading Route – St John’s

And since you’ve started as you mean to go on, we’d say the only thing better than an early drink (and a free one at that) is a second one, so it’s a good job one of the newest additions to Manchester, The Trading Route, is offering a free cocktail to mums this Mother’s Day.

Best of all, the new S. John’s beer and food hall is located just down the road from the main Deansgate strip and is just next to Spinningfields, so it’s a short walk from Schloss. You can book HERE.

Credit: The Manc Eats

Habbibi – Spinningfields

Speaking of which, if your and/or your mum resisted the urge to grab another bite at Trading Route (we wouldn’t blame them if they did), you could then head from St. John’s to Spinningfields and grab some a sophisticated bit of brunch as you grab your next freebie.

Habibi on Hardman Boulevard is giving away a complimentary luxury gift from home, body and beauty brand, Rituals, to those who book ahead. Consider that killing two gift-shaped birds with one stone.

Nell’s – Kampus/Northern Quarter/Chorlton

Now, we’re not necessarily expecting you stop at every single place on this list – unless your feeling extravagant or your mum really is that mega that she deserves all of this and more – but you’d be a fool not to grab yourself a margarita on the house from any Nell’s location.

Besides, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to grab a slice to further line your stomach.

Platzki – Deansgate

However, if mum hasn’t had a nibble in a hot minute then why not take her back in the direction you came from to beloved Polish restaurant, Platzki, who as well as serving an incredible main menu are also offering a free cheesecake or apple pie to all maternal diners this Mother’s Day.

Open for walk-ins as always, of course, but you can reserve your table HERE.

Credit: The Manc Group

House of Fu – Central

And last but not least, what harm would another free marg do? That’s what on the cards over at House of Fu, which just so happens to be up there with some the best ramen in Manchester if there’s still any room in that well-treated tummy.

Located on Portland Street, it’s also not too far from Picadilly, the bus station or St Peter’s Square tram stop when you and your mum are ready to call a day on this freebie parade… Or, you could always tie off the night with some karaoke downstairs. Now that’s how you put an end to a party.

Read more:

We’d like to think that half a dozen options should just about do you and your mums in central Manchester, though we’re sure there’s plenty more free things to snap up this Mother’s Day.

The cynics might want you to believe that this date is just another annual observance created, or at least perpetuated by companies to sell cards, flowers, chocolate and son, but the truth is a special day that deserves to be celebrated properly.

In fact, the truth is that Mothering Sunday started nearly 120 years ago over in Philadelphia, when a woman named Anna Jarvis wanted to honour her mother who spent her life gathering groups to promote female friendship and health during a memorial service at her late mother’s church.

We think that’s wonderful and whatever your relationship with the mother figure in your life, we reckon it’s a sentiment and motivation worth sustaining much more than just once a year.

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Much love to all our mums from The Manc, and sorry if we were ever a pain – hopefully a few drinks makes up for it.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Rituals

City Centre

The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess to host ‘Merch Market’ in aid of bands

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Tim Burgess, frontman of legendary band The Charlatans, is set to launch a one-off ‘Merch Market’ event, and its core purpose is to support bands.

He might have a ‘Jesus Hairdo’ but he’s currently serving as a good Samaritan as The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess is putting on an event solely focusing on funding bands via gig merch and other apparel.

Running across a variety of live music locations within Manchester city centre, the day-long event is called ‘Merch Market’, and it’s encouraging music lovers and bands alike to tag along.

Although ticket sales, album sales and streams are critical in funding the careers of all the artists we know and love, one key drive in securing actual revenue in the music industry is merchandise.

The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Expect to pick up some rare finds and own some limited edition collections.
The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Band merch will be front and centre at this event which is hosted by The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess.
Credit: The Hoot/Audio North

‘Merch Market’ is taking place at O2 Ritz as well as adjacent venues Gorilla and Dog Bowl across the road with a special appearance from ‘Tim Peak’s Diner’, the caffeinated brainchild of Tim Burgess.

The whole point of this event is to make sure that bands can receive the full 100% of merch sales without any cuts from any third party.

Fronted by The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, ‘Merch Market’ is building off his 2021 gathering, which had a similar initiative with ‘Vinyl Adventure’ encouraging the sale of physical music and media.

Alongside stocking up your wardrobe with all the latest band t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, there will be an array of interesting performances and talks happening throughout the day.

Entry to this incredible celebration of bands is completely free of charge and, better still, there are chances to win some seriously cool prizes – including some tasty festival tickets.

The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Gorilla is one of the live music venues that ‘Merch Market’ is taking place at.
The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
The Manc and Antony Szmierek outside O2 RItz, another venue which will be taking part in ‘Merch Market’.
Credit: The Manc Group

Expect stalls, live DJ sets, interviews, panels and even a chance to bag yourself VIP tickets for UK festival, Kendal Calling, which Burgess will be returning for 2025.

Burgess is a man of many talents as he will not only be hosting this fantastic initiative, but he will also be hosting a stall of his own and singing a couple of his biggest hits.

Bands don’t have to worry about forking out a fortune for renting a stall either as tables at ‘Merch Market’ are free, the only thing musicians have to bring is their merch and charming personalities.

So whether you’re an artist with leftover stock from your last tour or a music lover who just missed out on snagging a snap back, head down to these three venues on 25 May.

This also doubles as the perfect opportunity for any fans of The Charlatans to buy that all-so-important merch ahead of their Castlefield Bowl gig this summer.

Read more:

And if you needed any more reason to go, may we remind you that Salford’s very own blonde, bowl-cut bombshell, Tim Burgess, will be in attendance.

Once again, ‘Merch Market’ hosted by the man himself is taking place on 25 May and is completely free to attend.

Bands and businesses looking to sell their merch can sign up through Help Us Help Bands HERE.

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

Featured Image — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

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