A brand-new ‘Twilight Trail’ comes to Mayfield Park this Christmas as Freight Island makes festive transformation
Winter Island isn't just getting a major makeover, Mayfield Park in transforming into a giant glittering light trail. (this article contains affiliate links)
It’s all about to get very merry over in Mayfield as not only is Manchester’s newest city centre park set to transform into a festive ‘Twilight Trail’ for the first time ever but Escape to Freight will once again become ‘Winter Island’ for the holiday season.
While Depoy Mayfield’s Winter Island has quickly become a Yuletide staple of late, since the pretty park next door is celebrating just its second Christmas since opening to the public in September last year, the people behind one of Manchester’s most resurgent districts are expanding their festive plans for 2023.
Debuting the brand-new Twilight Trail on Friday, 17 November, Mayfield Park is being treated not only to a proper Crimbo makeover but will also be playing host to some of their neighbour’s most popular food and drink traders to provide a family-friendly night out to get in the seasonal spirit.
With affordable tickets and located just a short walk from the city centre’s numerous transport links, Mayfield is providing an accessible and budget-friendly activity for all ages this Christmas.
Credit: Supplied
Freight Island favourites like Cocoa Cabana, Parmogeddon, Lazy Tony’s and more will join a Bavarian smoking coal BBQ as well as classic Paulaner tap takeover fitting of Manchester’s legendary Christmas Markets themselves, only this one offers an immersive winter light show.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’ll be several unique light installations as you make your way around the pristine new park, with each circuit estimated to take around half an hour — though we obviously urge you to take your time and soak in the dazzling displays — before finishing your loop back at the adjacent Winter Island.
Speaking of the Depot‘s festive alter-ego, all the independent food and drink spots will still be serving up their usual suspects: Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Patel’s Pies, Payal; Mia’s Arepas, FUKU Mega Gyros, Oh My Cheesecake and Fry-By, just to name a few.
ADVERTISEMENT
But beyond stuffing your face, Freight Island’s Plant Room will also be transformed into Santa’s grotto, where the kids can meet the man himself from just £22.50 per child, but The Mezz will also once again become cosy Alpine Lodge in collaboration with Grey Goose, complete with a Santa Paws dog show, wreath making workshop with Northern Lights, DJs, live performances and more.
Mayfield Park’s Twilight Trail will be open all through Christmas from 17 November and right up until New Year’s Eve. You can grab your individual tickets for just £8 and family packages from £28 HERE.
As for Winter Island, the festive food, drink and events hall will be open from Thursday, 9 November until Christmas Eve, with opening times from 4-11pm on Thursdays, 4pm until midnight on Fridays; noon until midnight on Saturdays and 12pm-10pm on Sundays. Walk-ins are available or you can book HERE.
ADVERTISEMENT
You know what? We’re feeling all nice and festive now — see you on the trail and back at Freight for a bev or two. Merry Christmas!
Whether you can believe it or not, it’s actually been two whole decades since the 2003 Christmas cult classic that is Elf was released to the world, and with December literally just a few days away now, there’s no better way to celebrate this special anniversary than seeing the film return to the big screen for a limited time only.
From this week, you can head on down to Vue cinemas in both Manchester Printworks and inside Quayside MediaCity, as well as others throughout the region, to watch the beloved festive flick.
Going on to become a much-loved festive favourite that’s watched by families all over the world every time December rolls around, Elf is a Christmas comedy film that tells the story of a human raised by Santa’s elves.
Elf is back on the big screen in UK cinemas from this week / Credit: Warner Bros.
As Buddy grows older, he eventually learns about his origins, and heads to New York City on a mission to meet his biological father.
Directed by on Favreau and written by David Berenbaum Elf has been hailed by many as a modern classic, and it’s often listed as one of the best Christmas films of all time.
It stars legendary comic actor Will Ferrell as the title character Buddy the Elf, alongside a talented ensemble cast of famous faces such as Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Jon Favreau, Peter Dinklage, and more in supporting roles.
Ferrell’s performance as Buddy was also praised by critics and audiences alike at the time of the film’s release, and many have even called it one of the best performances of his career.
It’s to celebrate 20 years since the beloved festive flick was released / Credit: Warner Bros.
Speaking ahead of Elf’s return to cinemas this Christmas, Mike Anton, who is the General Manager of Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “Christmas is all about spending quality time with friends and family, and creating treasured moments to last a lifetime.
“So we’re glad to be marking the merry occasion with a lineup of some of the most iconic and beloved Christmas classics.”
Tickets to see Elf at Vue Manchester Printworks and Vue Manchester Quayside are now available to get your hands on from just £4.99 when booked online here.
If you also find yourself at a loose end in Manchester city centre over the next couple of weeks, there’s another a little hidden cinema tucked away inside popular hotel King Street Townhouse that’s screening a jam-packed lineup of classic Christmas films throughout December too – including Love Actually, Home Alone, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
You can also sip on festive cocktails, and snack on popcorn and pick n mix while you watch all the festive flicks too.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
What's On
Nickelback announce huge Manchester gig on European leg of Get Rollin Tour
Daisy Jackson
Nickelback have just announced a massive gig here in Manchester on the European leg of their Get Rollin’ tour.
The Canadian rockers have been whizzing around North America touring their 10th studio album of the same name and are soon heading across the pond.
The group will be stopping off at the AO Arena in Manchester as well as venues in Glasgow, London and Birmingham.
Nickelback’s European tour will kick off on Thursday 16 May 2024, with 12 cities and eight countries on their radar.
And they’ll be supported by Wigan rising stars Lottery Winners, who sadly postponed some recent gigs after receiving some ‘tragic news’.
Nickelback said of their upcoming tour: “We can’t wait to get back to Europe and see everyone. It’s been far too long, and these will be incredibly special shows for us.”
The diamond-certified, award-winning band, who are behind hits including Photograph, Someday, and Rockstar, released their first album in five years on 18 November 2022, debuting at number two across current rock, alternative, hard music and digital album charts.
Tickets for Nickelback’s Get Rollin tour will go on sale through an artist presale on Tuesday 28 November at 10am, with general sale on Friday 1 December at 10am.
You can book tickets for Nickelback through See Tickets.
Nickelback Get Rollin 2024 European tour dates
Thursday 16 May 2024 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Monday 20 May 2024 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
Tuesday 21 May 2024 – London, UK – The O2
Thursday 23 May 2024 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Sunday 26 May 2024 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Tuesday 28 May 2024 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle
Thursday 30 May 2024 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Saturday 01 June 2024 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Sunday 02 June 2024 – Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena
Tuesday 04 June 2024 – Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle
Danny Jones -
3rd November 2023 
