A trail of festive light sculptures has popped up in Manchester city centre.
The trail includes a giant Manchester worker bee in St Peter’s Square along with a star-shaped archway that visitors can pose for photos beneath.
As well as two huge baubles and another star-spangled arch in Piccadilly Gardens. While St Ann’s Square will be home to a new LED nativity scene along with an LED Christmas tree at Manchester Cathedral.
And a new Father Christmas figurine will take up residence in Piccadilly Gardens, replacing Zippy, the old town hall mascot.
Council bosses said This year’s new Christmas lights are largely biodegradable and made from recycled materials, according to the council.
They include 360,000 low energy LED lights strung in 126 trees across the city centre – a length that amounts to two miles.
Manchester is the first UK city to use a lighting scheme that is predominantly made from renewable materials, with organically sources raw material and recycled aluminium.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said:
“There is no Christmas without Christmas lights, so we thought we’d double down and get 360,000 of them – all low energy and made from eco-friendly recycled materials.
“We’re particularly excited about the giant light sculptures that will be big enough to walk around and get that ever important Christmas selfie. Yet another excuse to visit Manchester this festive season.”
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