As Manchester Christmas Markets come to an end - what needs to change for 2023
Whether you love them or loathe them, there's no doubting Manchester's Christmas Markets have been busier than ever this year with a full return following the Covid-19 pandemic. But while the crowds have been massive, the moans seem to have grown in size this year too.
So, with the main markets packing up to finish today in Manchester, it seemed a good time to assess what worked this year - and what could really do with changing for their festive return in 2023. Better mix of stalls An oft-repeated comment this year is that the markets were "too much like a food and drink market". Naturally, one of the big draws for people heading to town is to grab a gluhwein and a sausage- but most people would like to see more of a balance between retail and food.
Different locations? Now, we all know that the markets looked and felt their best when the full German Market was based on Albert Square. But the massive town hall renovations have meant it's not been able to be used since 2019. Well, as I strolled about town this year I couldn't help but wonder why the REVERSE side of the Town Hall, eg on St Peter's Square, is not being used for the markets. This year, the long pedestrianised stretch outside Central Library and the rear end of the Town Hall has been used for some of the larger light sculptures, including the MCR sign, a Manc bee, and of course Big Santa himself.
And how about spreading them into the Northern Quarter for a bit of an "alternative" Christmas Markets vibe? They could take over the whole of Stevenson Square while we're at it. Surely this sets out the stall now for other big restaurant names to consider giving it a go? It would bring a welcome Manc flavour to the food offering for sure.
More festive food options In a similar vein, wouldn't it be great to see more festive-style food on the Christmas Markets? In past years we had the epic turkey sandwiches of Northern Soul, and whatever happened to all those fruit-covered-in-chocolate stalls that the markets used to be famous for? No, there was no funfair. And no return for that large "Ice Village" we had in past years that, while popular with some families, was unsurprisingly very cold inside and had a fair few folk moaning too so you can't really win.
Or how about a festive trail around the markets with cute festive figures that kids can find, mark off a map and "win" a cheap bag of sweets at the end? Kids love that kind of thing. What the council says Manchester Council has hailed the success of this year's event with record visitor numbers. All 140,000 Christmas mugs ordered for this year's event - double the number of past years - have all been sold.
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