If Manchester wasn’t going to be oozing enough Yuletide vibes with the return of the Christmas markets and the lights illuminating the streets, the Festive Sundays series are coming back to the city. Over four consecutive Sundays, sparkling street performances will be taking over Manchester city centre to delight and surprise families in the run up to Christmas.
Commissioned and produced by Manchester Business Improvement District (BID), Festive Sundays will see roaming puppets and illuminated acts take to the city’s main shopping streets, every Sunday from November 26 – December 17. The events will create a fun and festive atmosphere for those doing Christmas shopping and enjoying Manchester’s bars and restaurants or visiting the city’s famous Christmas Markets.
On the first Sunday (November 23), will see an array of giant roaming puppets and street performers around the central retail district, as well as live music. Don’t miss an encounter with bewitching woodland creatures: larger-than-life robins, the meandering arctic fox, a giant snowy owl – and Handmade Parade’s beautiful, illuminated reindeer.
Meanwhile, a band of enchanted festive friends will bring magic to the city, including the snow king and queen, living lampposts, talking Christmas trees, a giant roaming snow globe and extraordinary puppet duo, Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth – two Christmas elf adventurers with a lot on their minds (and even more on their backs!).
All accompanied by the vibrant sights and sounds of the Fat Cat Brass Band and Bloco Band bringing Christmas cheer and tunes to the streets of Manchester. The events will run on Sunday 26th November, 12pm – 7pm at Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and Deansgate.
On the following Sunday (December 3), Manchester’s Christmas parade will return for a second year running. Hosted by Manchester City Council, the parade will include a spectacular procession of Christmas-themed acts, including runaway Christmas presents, Jack Frost, Snow Queens – Santa himself, and lots more.
On the final two Sundays (December 10 & 17), Mancs can be entertained as they sip on their hot chocolates and dig into Yorkshire pudding wraps, as a stunning Toy Procession will take to Manchester’s popular Christmas Markets in St Ann’s Square. Created by Walk the Plank, the procession will take place at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm and will feature giant stilt-walking acts including Christmas Crackers, Sugar Plum Fairies, Toy Soldiers, Christmas Elves, and a sparkling Fairy Mouse, bringing magical street entertainment to Manchester on the run-up to Christmas Day.
Find out more about Festive Sundays in Manchester here.