Manchester Christmas Markets named one of the most affordable in the UK
Manchester placed in the UK’s top five most affordable Christmas markets, with London’s Winter Wonderland and Cardiff’s Christmas market the most expensive.
New data has revealed the cheapest Christmas markets to visit in the UK, with Manchester named amongst the most affordable for budget-savvy Brits looking to plan a festive day trip.
The study, carried out by Airbnb insurance specialists Pikl, looked at the UK’s top fifteen Christmas markets and the associated costs in each location to create an overall affordability ranking.
Considered costs ranged from entry price, average attraction price, average local parking cost for 6+ hours, and an additional average nightly rate for an AirBnB stay in the area.
According to the criteria Manchester came in at the top five locations for affordability. Considered to be one of the UK’s most popular markets, the study revealed that you can park all day for around £10.00, enjoy free entry and attractions from £5.00.
Overall, though, the most affordable festive day out is at Lincoln markets, where lots of traditional stalls are set up in the city’s medieval square, complete with an ice rink.
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With free entry to the market, an average attraction cost of £3.00, and nearby all-day parking for £3.70, the city boasts an extremely purse-friendly option for those looking for some festive fun on a budget.
Beyond the top 5, attraction price is the main deciding factor for those keen to enjoy festive frills on a budget.
In terms of attraction price the most expensive destination is the historic town of Chester where £30 is the average activity cost, followed closely by £25 in Blenheim Palace.
York’s attraction cost of £13.50 proves more expensive than London’s £10.50 charge for its array of Winter Wonderland festivities, though the £52.98 average parking fee in the capital makes nabbing a £10.00 spot in York a lot more appealing.
For those looking to turn theiur day trip into an overnight stay, the data also accounts for affordability based on the cost of an average nightly Airbnb rate in each location.
The experts at Pikl said: “We’re all feeling the pinch this Christmas, but Brits still look set to enjoy the festive season in a budget-conscious manner.
“As a trusted AirBnB insurance provider, we’d suggest that rental property owners hoping to attract customers over the next month take some of the findings from this study into account.”
Read more:‘Winter Island’ returns to Escape to Freight for more festive fun this November
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The data, commissioned by Pikl Insurance, analysed the affordability of the UK’s best Christmas markets, revealing the cheapest based on entry prices, average attraction price, nearby parking costs, and more.
Featured Image — Flickr/Manchester City Council
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Oasis announce surprise exclusive song on new War Child album HELP(2) releasing this week
Emily Sergeant
Surprise… we’re getting a new Oasis song on Friday.
Well, not actually ‘new’ – but we had to get your attention somehow, and hopefully we succeeded. That’s because, if you didn’t already know, this Friday (6 March) is release day for the new HELP(2)album in aid of War Child, and even before this announcement, it was already gearing up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
But now, it’s got even better, as War Child Records has today announced that Oasis will feature on the album with a very-special inclusion – a stand-alone 7” single.
Fans of the iconic Manchester band will be able to listen to the track enclosed within the gatefold of the vinyl edition and as a hidden track on the double CD version, as well as it also being available to stream from this Friday too.
The band have generously contributed an exclusive live version of the fan favourite song, ‘Acquiesce (Live from Wembley Stadium, 28 September ‘25)’, to the album.
This marks the first physical release of a live recording from Oasis’ record-breaking 2025 world tour, with the recording taken from the final night of their seven-show run at Wembley Stadium.
In case you don’t remember, Oasis actually previously featured on the original HELP album all the way back in 1995, opening the record with ‘Fade Away’, and Noel Gallagher also contributed as one third of The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, alongside Paul McCartney and Paul Weller, so this is actually the band’s return nearly three decades on.
Oasis’ return proves their enduring support for War Child’s mission to ‘protect, educate, and stand up for’ the rights of children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) is being released on Friday 6 March / Credit: Supplied
‘Acquiesce – Live’ follows other recent releases taken from the HELP(2) record, including ‘Begging For Change’ by Pulp, ‘Opening Night’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Flags’ by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest, and ‘Let’s Do It Again!’ by The Last Dinner Party.
Other big-name artist set to feature on the album are Fontaines D.C, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Foals, Wet Leg, Ezra Collective, and countless more.
HELP(2) will be released on Friday 6 March via War Child Records, and you can pre-order the album here or stream it on all streaming services.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
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Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Georgina Pellant -
6th December 2022 
