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Christmas

Stockport’s ‘spectacular’ Christmas festival to return with FREE shows and hundreds of performers

Festive fun awaits.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 29th October 2026

Stockport will soon be looking festive, as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers descend on the town centre.

Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.

Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.

Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.

Stockport’s Christmas festival will be returning with free shows and hundreds of performers next month / Credit: Matthew Nichol (Supplied)

Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.

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You can head to places like Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.

Streets and squares will become stages for larger-than-life puppets, mischievous comedy, and live music, all building to a ‘showstopping’ parade finale featuring more than 100 drummers, and a Christmas lights switch-on at 4:45pm.

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Festive bands will provide plenty of Christmas cheer throughout the day.

“It’s fantastic to see Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday return for a fourth year,” commented Cllr Micheala Meikle, who is the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council.

“The event has become a much-loved part of Christmas in Stockport, bringing together creativity, community spirit and plenty of festive cheer.

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“It’s also a great opportunity to experience everything our town centre has to offer, from our historic Market Place and Underbanks to the vibrant spaces that are helping bring more people together in Stockport.

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“We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be another memorable start to the festive season.”

Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2026 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 15 November from 12pm onwards, and it’s free for all to attend.

Featured Image – Matthew Nichol (Supplied)

Christmas

Rochdale set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures for this year’s Ignite Fire Festival

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo Rochdale set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures for this year's Ignite Fire Festival

The run up to Christmas is officially here – deck the halls, dig out your gloves, and get yourself across to Rochdale for a free, festive, family-friendly evening. 

Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by The Trade Centre UK, is set to once again light the way towards Christmas, together with the festive lights switch-on, this November. 

Organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising the best year yet with a spectacular trail of fire, lights and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions including blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.

The gardens and square surrounding the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the parkland and walkways on Broadfield slopes, are all preparing to be transformed into a vision of festive light and colour.

However, this year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising night time-trail, ‘BODY.’ This multi-sensory and immersive trail will transport visitors on an educational but exciting journey, through the six zones of the human body. 

Visitors can expect a dramatic experience from start to finish, executed through cutting-edge technology as part of Ignite’s most ambitious light display yet, led by the award-winning, worldwide outdoor art sensation – Walk the Plank.

The Fire Garden is also a must-visit during the festival, illuminating the slopes and gardens behind Rochdale Town Hall with intricate, hand-crafted fire sculptures and pyrotechnics.

'BODY' is a new installation at Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale
‘BODY’ is a new installation at Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale
Ignite Fire Festival returns this winter
Ignite Fire Festival returns this winter

Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes fire shows and flaming hot circus performances from some of the north’s top talent, alongside ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.

Then there is the ultimate Christmas activation – Santa’s coming to town. 

On Sunday 22 November, Father Christmas and his helpers, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Faisal Rana, are paying us a visit to officially switch on the festive lights in front of the town hall at 5.30pm.

Not forgetting the fabulous, flame-cooked, hot food available each night of the festival, accompanied by warming mulled wine and other seasonal beverages, facilitating the full seasonal experience.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Ignite Fire Festival has become a real success story for the borough, drawing audiences from across Greater Manchester and beyond. 

“This 2026 line-up will build on that success with new attractions, creative performances and family-friendly experiences. It will be a fantastic celebration for residents and visitors alike, setting the stage perfectly for our Christmas lights switch-on.”

Bev Ayre, senior producer at Walk the Plank, said they are delighted to be returning to Rochdale, stating: “The Body is unlike anything we’ve brought to Ignite before. An immersive fire and light experience that combines art, science and creativity to help people discover the incredible human body in a fun and engaging way. 

“Set against the stunning backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall Square and gardens, it promises to be one of our most exciting attractions yet. Even if you’ve visited Ignite before, this year’s festival will feel completely new.”

This festival is made possible by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op.

Ignite is a free festival that will be running across three magical evenings, between Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November, 5pm-8pm.

Click HERE for more information about the Ignite Fire Festival, in Rochdale.

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Featured image: Supplied

Christmas

Everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – dates, locations, and more

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 - dates, locations, and essential information

Manchester Christmas Markets will be taking over the city centre this festive season, with hundreds of little wooden huts lining the streets.

Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.

This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event – with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.

There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action, as well as big changes to St Ann’s Square with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.

There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.

When are the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026?

This year’s Manchester Christmas Markets will take place between Friday 6 November and Monday 22 December, across 10 different city centre locations.

Some sites will remain open even longer though – there’ll be festivities continuing at both Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens (which is home to the Skate Manchester ice rink) until Sunday 3 January 2027.

Another date for your diary is the Manchester Christmas Parade, which will see floats and performers filling the city on Sunday 6 December.

Manchester Christmas Markets locations

What's new at the Manchester Christmas Markets for 2025?
Manchester Christmas Markets

There are some brand-new spots to check out this year as the markets officially leave Piccadilly Gardens and return to their spiritual home around Albert Square.

Notably, Lincoln Square will be hosting a food and drink-focused market for the first time.

St Ann’s Square will also have a brand-new look, and Albert Square will again be home to a helter-skelter and a big wheel, along with loads of food, drink, and festive retail.

The locations are:

  • Albert Square
  • Lincoln Square
  • King Street
  • St Ann’s Square
  • Corn Exchange
  • Exchange Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Market Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Cathedral Gardens

You can see more about what each location will offer HERE.

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening and closing times

The vast majority of the Manchester Christmas Markets locations will be open from 10am to 9pm daily, through to 22 December.

The only exceptions are as follows:

Albert Square

  • 6 November – 23 December: 10am to 9pm
  • 24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
  • 25 December (Christmas Day): Closed
  • 26 December – 30 January: 10am to 6pm
  • 31 January (New Year’s Eve): 10am to 12.30am
  • 1–3 January: 10am to 6pm

Cathedral Gardens

  • 6 November – 23 December: 10am to 9pm
  • 24 December (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
  • 25 December (Christmas Day): Closed
  • 26 December – 30 January: 10am to 6pm
  • 31 January (New Year’s Eve): 10am to 12.30am
  • 1–3 January: 10am to 6pm

Food and drink highlights at the Manchester Christmas Markets

Great North Pie Co. at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
Great North Pie Co. at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group
Hong Kong French Toast at the Manchester Christmas Markets
Hong Kong French Toast at the Manchester Christmas Markets. Credit: The Manc Group

Until the markets are officially open, we’re not sure exactly what this year’s top stalls and must-eats will be – but looking at the trader list, we can give you a good idea.

The always-popular Yorkshire Pudding Wraps from Porky Pig will be back in Exchange Square, along with the iconic Witch House German bratwursts a short distance away on New Cathedral Street.

Other traders we loved in 2025 who’ll be returning this year include Great North Pie, Flat Baker, Hong Kong French Toast, and Oi Dumplings.

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What is the 2026 mug design? And how much do they cost?

Zippy is the star of the show, as the retro-style mug designs show Manchester’s favourite giant Santa surrounded by gift-wrapped presents, fir trees, and a snowy Manchester cityscape with the Town Hall and its unmistakable clock tower to one side.

Designed by the Council’s in-house design studio, the mugs are the latest in a series of collectable Christmas mugs designed by them each year for Manchester’s world-beating Christmas Markets.

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 mug design / Credit: Manchester City Council

There are two different souvenir mugs to collect – both share the same retro design, but each one is a different colour and shape.

This year, the price of the mugs is the same as last year, with customers asked to pay a deposit of £3.50 when they buy a hot chocolate or Glühwein.

Travel advice and how to get to the Manchester Christmas Markets

As usual, passengers are advised to travel with public transport wherever possible, as the city centre will be very busy with both Christmas Markets visitors and shoppers.

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There are eight tram stops in the city centre that will put you within walking distance of the festivities, with St Peter’s Square the closest to the main site at Albert Square.

Trains and buses also serve the city centre well, but if you really need to drive, TfGM is advising to make use of the park and ride system rather than risking traffic delays in town.

See more on the Bee Network website HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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