Christmas isn’t cancelled, after all.
Following the incredibly sad news that Manchester’s famous Christmas Market will not be going ahead this year, it turns out the festive season isn’t cancelled after all – with Escape to Freight Island seriously pulling out the stops for the occasion.
Providing us with a heavy dose of COVID-safe Christmas cheer when we need it the most, the local fave drinking and dining destination has officially unveiled their plans for their first-ever festive season – which will all be sitting pretty this Winter underneath a giant 45-foot tall Christmas tree.
Providing a family-friendly space for all Mancs to enjoy this year, guests will be treated to seasonal grub including a Bratwurst grill, Great North Pie, a traditional hog roast, a Mulled Wine & Cider hut, a local chocolatier and an artisanal cheese stall – providing everything you could possibly miss about the annual markets that would usually spread across the city.
Tying up the new festivities with a neat bow, existing foodie spots such as Voodoo Rays, Patty Queen and Madre will be moving inside to the brand new Ticket Hall – which will provide refuge for those who’d prefer to be indoors, with some incredible new vendors to try serving both food and alcohol.
In addition to all of this, Escape to Freight Island will also offer up a wonderful entertainment schedule for the season, too, where guests will get the chance to see Hot Chip, Rhys from The Horrors, and Huey Morgan DJ sets – as well as a Sunday drag special every week, cabaret shows, Disney sing-a-longs, brass bands, Motown performances and even comedy nights.
Adding to the festivities will be the acclaimed Lightopia, who’ll be providing a wonderful light installation to set the festive tone, and the city’s first-ever Ice Curling Rink will be popping up under The Ticket Hall’s roof, too.
Entry will be provided on a ticketing basis to keep the venue as COVID secure as possible, with social distancing in place throughout the complex.