The UK’s largest outdoor winter market is coming to Manchester

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A huge outdoor winter wonderland is coming to Manchester’s Escape to Freight Island this winter – and it sounds immense.

Billed as the UK’s largest fully-heated outdoor winter market, the Winter Wonderland experience will feature a Christmas forest, stalls from local artisanal traders, and delicious festive street food to Manchester over the festive period.

From the Great North Pie Co. to a steaming bratwurst grill and traditional hog roast, it’s all going on down at Escape to Freight Island – with further stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, cheese, and hot cider.

Image: Escape to Freight Island

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as the team also have a huge programme of festive events booked over the coming months.

Kicking off with a huge fireworks display on 5 November, there’ll be a mix of ticketed and free events running throughout the period including a bonfire night knees-up, Christmas workshops, karaoke, family raves, cabaret, live music, comedy and movie nights.

Big bookings to look forward to including a Homobloc takeover (7 November), a night with Craig Charles (28 November), and the return of the Untold Orchestra – who have become well known for different themed musical nights paying homage to iconic musicians.

Image: Escape to Freight Island

The Manchester-based collaborative orchestra will take to Freight’s outdoor stage every Wednesday throughout November and December, bringing all your festive favourites to life with their musical restyling of classic Christmas anthems.

Tuesday nights, meanwhile, will see the introduction of a new comedy night showcasing some local talent from the Manchester scene as well as a few from further afield.

Last year’s map for the 2020 the Winter Market at Escape to Freight Island / Image: Escape to Freight Island

Further entertainment to look forward to throughout the season includes performances from the likes of Fun DMC, Teachrex, Playhouse Project, Family Gorgeous, Guilty Pleasures and Born to be Wild Child.

Bookings are now live for the Winter Island, with outdoor reservations starting from 5 November. Book your slot here.

Follow Escape to Freight Island on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.

Feature image – Escape to Freight Island