A new warning has been issued reminding people of the dangers of swimming in Salford Quays – even with such warm weather.
Salford City Council issued a warning over the late May bank holiday weekend urging people to stay out of the water.
It comes just two weeks after two people were rescued from the water and rushed to hospital with hypothermia.
And last summer, tragedy struck in Salford Quays when 16-year-old Kalen Waugh – who was last seen struggling in the water while swimming with friends – was found dead in the water.
People are now being reminded that the warm weather doesn’t mean that bodies of water like rivers, lakes and reservoirs are warm enough to swim in.
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Salford City Council said: “Even in a heatwave open water in Salford Quays, rivers, lakes and reservoirs is always cold.
“The risk of drowning through cold water shock is real. Please stay out of the water unless taking part in an organised activity and stay safe.”
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The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) says there are three stages that your body will go through if you experience cold water shock.
The first is a gasp for breath followed by rapid breathing (hyperventilation).
They then say: “At the same time as your breathing goes out of control, your blood pressure shoots up as your body tries to keep your blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body (this is why you go pale when you’re cold).
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“Once your breathing is back under control, this is your window to get out of the water before the further effects of cold water shock kick in.
“As your muscles cool, your strength, endurance and muscle control reduces to the point when you can’t swim any longer so can’t rescue yourself. The point at which you can’t swim any more is called ‘swim failure’, and if you haven’t got out of the water or managed to get hold of a buoyancy aid (like a lifejacket) by this time, you will drown.”
The RLSS issues the following advice if you do fall into cold water.
First, keep your mouth away from the water until you have your breathing back under control, you can do this by rolling onto your back and floating or paddling to stay at the surface.
Then, don’t waste any time and swim towards an exit before your muscles start to cool, or swim towards something that will help you to stay afloat whilst you are calling for help.
Finally, once you are out of the water re-warm yourself as soon as you can to avoid hypothermia.
Temperatures across Greater Manchester are set to hit highs of 22 degrees this week as we head into yet more days of sunshine and warm weather.
Featured image: Unsplash
Salford
Alternative Christmas Markets you need to visit in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
There are a variety of alternative Christmas Markets happening in Manchester where you can bag yourself even more festive goodies.
And the good news is that some of them are much smaller, quieter and more intimate than the madness that is the main Manchester Christmas Markets.
Venture outside your usual wooden huts and show your support for all the different Alternative Christmas Markets popping up around the city this December.
Alternative Christmas Markets in Manchester
Manchester Made Market at Deansgate Square
Manchester Made at Deansgate Square is an alternative Christmas Market in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
In the shadows of the Deansgate Square skyscrapers, a cosy and magical Christmas night market will take shape, filled with twinkling Christmas trees, food, drink, live music, and even a grotto.
More than 40 artisanal traders and small businesses will take part over the three-day event, selling food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Highlights include a 20-piece choir, Gooey sweet treats, a Wild Grill experience plus German sausages from Millington Hall Farm, a Christmas tipi, and a Santa’s Grotto.
4pm to 9pm on Friday 6 December; 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December| Tickets are free but you can pre-book HERE.
The Night Market UK at Fairfield Social Club
People gathering to celebrate the festive season at Fairfield Social Club.Some of the stalls you can expect to see at The Night Market UK.Credit: Joel Chester via supplied
Bordering on Angel Meadows Park and only a short stroll from Manchester Victoria, Fairfield Social Club are hosting a dusk to nighttime event that is the gift that keeps on giving.
‘Shopping chores’ are about to become ‘shopping cheers’ as 50 local makers, bakers and shakers are about to tempt you with their irresistible treats.
There’s standouts like Killa Carbs and FSC Garden Kitchen for your mind and body, with live music from DJs for your soul.
4pm to 11pm on Saturday 7 December | Tickets are £4 or there’s a two-ticket deal for £7 HERE.
This one’s less about shopping and more about Christmas Markets vibes – St John’s tennis court venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland, swapping green lawns for an ice blue rink.
There’s marshmallow roasting, a street-food truck and an open-air cinema where you can watch festive faves like ‘The Grinch’.
While taking in all your surroundings why not sip on a luxury hot chocolate with flavours spanning from honeycomb to chocolate orange.
8am til late Monday to Friday throughout December; 12pm til late Saturday and Sunday | No tickets required.
Makers Market (across various locations)
An insight into the stalls on the day at Makers Market.Smiles all around at the Northern Quarter pop-up.One of the many intricate gifts you can buy at Makers Market.Credit: Supplied
The Makers Market is a staple in Northern Quarter with a recurring visit the second Sunday of each month, and December is no different.
These independent artisan creators are working just as hard as Santa’s Elves to bring the best handcrafted gifts to West Didsbury, Sale and Quayside.
Not limited to Manchester, for those wanting to have a mini Christmas excursion, there’s stalls running every weekend up until the big day in Chester too.
11am to 5pm on Sunday 8 December (Northern Quarter) | No tickets required, more locations HERE.
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Victorian Christmas Market in Stockport
Nutella Cafe at Merseyway, ran by the same company.That cheeky Elf on the Shelf is even making an appearance.Credit: Matthew Nichol via supplied / Supplied
Live your Dickens dream this winter as Stockport are putting a Victorian twist on the usual Christmas Market experience to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Enjoy fairground rides and food as well as a live choir to soundtrack and enhance your journey through these vintage huts.
Show off to all your friends about your time here with the on-site family Christmas picture area and enjoy some nutella covered treats. The chocolatey goodness may not have been around back then, but we can’t go a day without that gorgeous spread.
9am to 4pm Saturday 7 December | No tickets required.
Melanin Markets: Winter Wonders at The Royal Exchange
Those ever-so-cute Mélange Dolls at Melanin Markets in Manchester.Black creatives will be setting up stalls selling a variety of products including artwork like this.
This annual event is the largest festive celebration of Black-owned businesses and this time it’s residing at The Royal Exchange with a variation of vendors on hand to help you find your next cherished item.
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The name of this event may be frosty, but you’ll be nothing but warm as you soak up the live music covering everything from blues to reggae.
Esteemed traders Mélange Dolls will be selling toys that reflect the diversity of mixed-race and ethnic heritage children and CalyxDrinks will be selling some thirst-quenching Vegan beverages.
12pm to 5pm on Sunday 8 December| Tickets are free but you can pre-book HERE.
Winterhood at Diecast
This 250,000 square foot site has had a full Christmas transformation with the Tinsel Town Trailer Park, Club Leno and Brooklyn Beer Hall.
Mulled wine has some competition from the new festive spirit champ, mulled negroni, but there’s also cookie crumble hot chocolates on offer too, yum!
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There’s karaoke parties, fire pits, clubbing, steins and lots lots more, as Diecast has really decked the halls this year.
13 November to 31 December | Walk-ins welcome however book in advance to guarentee your table HERE.
FREE Santa’s Grotto at Bury The Rock
Christmas can be a costly feat however, Bury has got you covered with their free Santa’s Grotto running throughout December and everyday from 16 December til the lead up to Christmas.
Kids who visit the Grotto get to meet the big fat man with the long white beard when he stays in town for the month.
Although the Grotto is free, there are a handful of stalls surrounding this cosy cabin selling various sweet treats and kid-friendly attractions.
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Every weekend leading up to Christmas, everyday from 16 December to 24 December | No tickets required, opening times vary HERE.
These Christmas super fans started their celebrations off all the way back in November , so it’s no surprise they find themselves featured in this Alternative Christmas Market rundown.
From their giant-sized tree to their fairground attractions like the helter-skelter, Cheshire Oaks is flying the Christmas flag high for the North West.
The big Manchester guide to Christmas 2024 – events, theatre, grottos and more
Thomas Melia
Ho, ho, ho, it’s me, no not Santa, Thomas from The Manc a.k.a your Christmas connoisseur, with all your go-to Christmas hotspots for 2024.
IT’S TIIIIME! Christmas is here and Manchester knows how to ring in the festive season in proper style with shows, trains and markets galore.
Manchester city centre and every suburb in the region is beaming with Christmas spirit and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know below.
From theatre shows to seasonal specials to meeting Santa Claus himself, here are some of the best events happening around Greater Manchester this Christmas.
Christmas in Manchester 2024 – The Guide
Manchester Christmas Markets
Credit: The Manc Group
Everybody’s favourite! If this isn’t part of your annual yuletide celebrations then where have you been for the past 26 years?
These street-side cabin-esque vendors have been bringing joy and festive cheer to the streets of Manchester since its launch in 1999.
The Manchester Christmas Markets are set to have their biggest year to date with over 200 stalls hitting the high street from 8 November until 22 December 2024, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the festivities before the big day.
Bottomless brunch in a giant rooftop snow globe bar
The big man himself at The Grotto in Trafford Centre.Credit: Supplied
Santa, as you all know, is a very busy guy but he’ll always have a soft spot for Manchester, and the big-bellied gift-giver is stopping off at the Trafford Centre.
Running from 18 November to 24 December, Santa and his little helpers are bringing their North Pole magic to the shopping centre once again and each paying child will receive a gift as well as time with Mr. Claus himself.
To save your spot with Christmas’ main man you can start by booking tickets here.
No you did hear it right the first time. Not Santa Claus but Santa Cruise. Enjoy a trip on Salford Quays with a very special guest onboard. He’s decided against using his sleigh to get to the Manchester borough and has instead opted for a new mode of transport, a boat.
You didn’t think Santa would show up empty handed did you? Mr. Claus and his Chief Elf Tilly are providing adults with mulled wine and mince pies while offering children a juice drink and cookie while they enjoy their time on the cruise.
If you fancy a trip on Salford Quays with Santa you can find tickets here.
Cocktails and Canapés
When you think of Christmas you think of the notorious sit-down meal where all your family and friends gather round to feast on a dinner with an all-important meaty main event. What if the meat centrepiece was in fact veggie or even vegan?
COOK! are offering a culinary festive masterclass with a twist, everything you prepare during the session is veggie or vegan! You’ll be shown how to make seasonal cocktails and bite-sized delights that are not only utterly delicious but also completely meat-free.
The three hour event is taking place in Ancoats on 8 December at 11am and you can satisfy your appetite already with tickets here.
The Polar Express – Churnet Valley Railway
Credit: Supplied
The heritage steam railway is providing a chance for you to be a part of Christmas movie history travelling on The Polar Express.
Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.
Guests who purchase standard tickets can expect a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.
And if you’re anything like me you can definitely still hear the bell! Tickets here.
LEGO Holiday Bricktacular – Trafford Centre, Trafford Palazzo
As well as letting your creative side loose at their Trafford Centre site, the brick-making company is hosting a festive bingo game, pop-up dance parties and a spin the advent wheel competition.
And if this placed wasn’t already photographed enough, the store is also putting up some incredible photo opportunities spread across the shop floor.
For £6 extra, guests can upgrade their standard entry ticket to include a meet and greet with LEGO Santa in his grotto!
Full event activities will be running on weekends and holidays throughout 23 November to 30 December, tickets here.
How come humans get to have all the fun? Well over at Cockfields Farm, dogs are spoilt for choice with four fun-filled days of Christmas joy ready to book in December.
Take your dog for a wonderful day out where your pup can get up close and personal with Santa including a mini photoshoot.
There’s a cosy cafe on site too where with each hot drink purchase your pooch can recieve a complimentary pupachino.
Each ticket also includes a little present for your dog so let’s show our furry friends some love. Tickets here.
Skate Manchester
Coinciding with the launch of the inaugural Christmas Markets, the infamous ice rink has returned too!
Situated in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens this covered ice rink offers an arctic experience no matter the weather conditions. The skating area will be open daily from 10:30am to 9pm everyday between 8 November to 1 January, only closing on the big day.
Each ticket purchased helps towards a sustainable future with 25p being donated to Everclime and are onsale here.
Esteemed for their grand Christmas displays that adorn their exterior, Hotel Gotham are hosting Christmas parties to remember.
You’re definitely on the nice list so go on, treat yourself to a meal in one of Manchester’s finest restaurants offering Christmas meals from £60 per person.
If you’re looking to take it one step further, why not dine in and hire out ‘GILT’, an exclusive and underground venue inspired by 1930’s speakeasies.
End your year right by treating yourself to some glitz and glam with bookings already being taken here.
The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra
Credit: Universal Pictures
Ever wanted to snuggle up and get real cozy while watching your favourite Christmas film… with a live orchestra?
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Well Bridgewater Hall are giving visitors the opportunity to experience a movie night like never before, releasing viewings of the classic 2006 big-screen production ‘The Holiday’ with the accompaniment of Hans Zimmer’s score live to film.
An extra date has already been added so demand is high, tickets are available here.
Baked A La Ska – Ska of Wonder
Band On The Wall is taking two passions and merging them together – Ska and Christmas.
So whether you’re ready to jam to ‘When You Wish Upon A Ska’ or just excited for anything related to the holidays, this gig seems ideal for you.
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This event is happening on Christmas Eve Eve and if that’s not enough for you, the band’s outfits are sure to put you in a festive mood.
Anyone looking to boogie away to an incredible live Ska performance, tickets are already onsale here.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry
If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the Dickens’ novel you can now watch the story brought to life on stage in Manchester.
This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set to be a trailblazer with the phenomenal Claire Moore playing the iconic character of Scrooge.
The stage show is also offering accessible performances including audio described and dementia-friendly, enhance touch tour and a BSL viewing throughout the show’s run at The Lowry.
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You certainly won’t hear any Bah Humbug’s in our office! Tickets here.
Daisy Jackson -
29th May 2023 
