Piccadilly Gardens has had its fair share of dislike over the years however recent bad weather and the aftermath of hosting Manchester Christmas Markets has resulted in the area being described as a ‘mud bath’. With the gardens not in the best of condition, this has lead councillors to confirm that the festive markets will not be returning to the public space for 2023.
Manchester Christmas Markets took place from a number of locations across the city centre including Cathedral Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square and Market Street, to name a few, however Manchester City Council will be looking for a new home to replace the currently muddy Piccadilly Gardens. With Manchester town hall undergoing renovations and not expected to reopen to the public until 2024, there is still over a year to go before the markets return to its former site at Albert Square.
However, councillor for Harpurhey and Collyhurst, Pat Karney, confirmed the news that Piccadilly Gardens will not be hosting this year’s Christmas markets and told Manchester Evening News that he “can see it looks horrible and a mess.” The councillor also recently took to Twitter saying: “Christmas is when we really miss Albert Square for celebrations. Piccadilly Gardens will be returfed soon. We will soon be choosing the design for the new regeneration of the area. 2023. An important year for the Gardens.”
The Labour representative also added: “In the absence of Albert Square we had six weeks of the Christmas Markets and 100,000 plus visitors. We are on the job to get it sorted.” After hosting the Christmas markets, the council then also used the space to host a free New Year’s party with DJ sets and a countdown to midnight displayed on a big screen.
Cllr Karney also hinted that the council might look at St Peter’s Square or somewhere similar to host Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 replacing Piccadilly Gardens.