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Manchester Christmas Markets food and drink vendors announced for 2023
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Manchester Christmas Markets
The countdown is on for the Manchester Christmas Markets and here’s all the festive food and crafts vendors that will be serving up a treat.
The wooden alpine huts, featuring across nine different locations around the city, are set to open on November 10th.
The nine different ‘zones’ will see various different food, drink and crafts vendors as thousands of Mancunians and visitors from further afield get ready to feast on some fantastic festive delights.
Piccadilly Gardens
Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the wonderful Winter Gardens and is the main hub again this year as the Town Hall continues to undergo restoration works in Albert Square.
Councillors have said they are taking extra measures to ensure the grassed areas of the gardens are not ruined this time round.
Here, the Scandi-style overhead cover will return decked with lights and cosy log fires. Live music will take place each evening with plenty of sheltered seating. Winter Gardens will also be home to the iconic windmill, which stands at four-metres high.
Visitors can expect a variety of winter tipples and exclusive cocktails alongside fresh churros, Korean corndogs, tasty Gyros and plenty more.
St Anne’s Square and Exchange Street
The oldest market site in the city centre, visitors can expect to find a variety of continental cheeses, authentic paella, bratwurst, or salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter favourite, Yard and Coop. Or why not just cosy up in the undercover bar with a hot drink to keep you warm.
Market Street
You can finish your Christmas shopping in this ultimate crafts and gifts area.
Expect over 40 stalls selling gifts including tweed hats, spiced rum, Christmas decorations and candles, to jewellery and much more. And don’t forget to pick up your freshly baked hot macaroon!
King Street
This zone will be the seasonal home to food stalls including the authentic Italian deli, Ballaro.
They will be serving up fresh cannelloni and arancini, and El Gato Negro will bring some Mediterranean menu flavours for Christmas shoppers to sit down and enjoy as they watch the crowds go by from the special seated area outside their stall.
Visitors to King Street markets can also expect a range of crafts including the always popular French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum.
New Cathedral Street
This zone is your go-to spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites. Craft-lovers will be enchanted by the selection of handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes on offer.
Stop off to enjoy a cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House, a hearty burrito from Mango Rays, or a cheesy ‘Parmo’ from local legends, Parmageddon.
Exchange Square
One of the largest of the city centre Christmas market sites, market-goers can warm-up at The Mill Exchange with their Mancunian mulled wine made on-site, while admiring the legends of Manchester artwork adorning their walls.
This is also the place to try the much-loved legendary Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig, as well as everything from birria bowls and hot curries to mini pancakes and fresh fudge. You’ll also find clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts, and handmade gifts.
The Corn Exchange
Set between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available from our crafters.
Expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, plus photo frames, artisan chocolates and much more.
Cathedral Gardens
This is the place to go if you enjoy seasonal ice-skating. Whirl around with your pals at Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink which is open daily.
There will also be free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday, all the way up to New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a warming treat with authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, hot chocolate, and much more.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets open on Friday November 10th and close on Thursday, December 21st. All craft stalls open daily from 10am-8pm. All bars and food stalls open daily from 11am-9pm.
Father Christmas will take up residence in St Peter’s Square after Remembrance Sunday.
The Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens will be open for Christmas skaters from November 2nd- January 2nd, but will also be offering spooky Scare Skates (only if you dare!) from October 27th to October 31st.
The food and drink stalls in Cathedral Gardens, alongside the skate rink, will remain open until December 31st.
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Boom Battle Bar: Ultimate games destination for perfect birthday, stag do or work party
Boom Battle Bar has got it all!
If you’re stuck for somewhere to go this Christmas party season, or for any birthday, stag or hen do, or even a regular weekend with your mates, we’ve got the perfect spot.
Boom Battle Bar is a massive games bar in the Printworks, with axe throwing (£45 – £80), shuffleboard (£15 – £25), augmented reality darts (£40 per lane), beer/prosecco pong (£30 per table), and even karaoke booths (£6 – £9 per person).
Manchester’s Finest Group
They also do a bottomless brunch at weekends, alongside a street food offering, including halloumi fries, parmesan and truffle mac and cheese bites, chicken tenders, wings, loaded bacon parmesan fries and dirty BBQ loaded fries.
There’s an impressive array of drinks as well, with cocktails like the Basic B*tch, Honey It’s Time To Party, and GOAT Punch, as well as plenty of beer, wine and even big sharers.
Get yourself booked in HERE.
What's On
The Cube Live adds three exciting new games for the perfect team day out
Everything you need for an incredible day out
Urban Playground has taken things to the next level, revealing three brand new games for thrill-seekers to sink their teeth into.
The Manchester Arndale entertainment venue, which is already home to an impressive array of games, has added even more fun to the line up.
From mini golf to arcade games and loads of food and drink, Urban Playground has everything you need for an incredible day out.
Manchester’s Finest Group
They’ve now added three new games to The Cube Live experience, ahead of the upcoming Christmas party season.
‘Pass’, ‘Exit’ and ‘Locate’ are the three new nail-bitingly tense games, and you’ll recognise them all from TV.
In Pass, two players rapidly weave a foam brick back and forth between free-standing poles, avoiding knocking the poles over as they go – requiring agility and great communication.
Exit sees two players work together manoeuvring a ball out of a maze testing their patience to the max.
Manchester’s Finest Group
Lastly, Locate is a single player game where players must memorise an illuminated white square’s location, before placing a block on it while blindfolded.
They’re all deceptively straightforward, while also fiendishly addictive, and perfect for a team day out.
Get booked in HERE to try the new games for yourself.
What's On
MTV to take over Manchester for 2024 EMAs with week of events
The MTV EMAs are coming to Manchester for the first time ever
MTV Music Week is coming to Manchester later this year, to showcase the best of our emerging artists and favourite venues.
The event will take place across some of Manchester’s most loved venues between November 5th and 9th, and will feature homegrown artists, performances and industry workshops.
It’s all leading up to the 2024 MTV EMAs, which will be taking place at Co-op Live on November 10th.
MTV franchises will take centre stage, including MTV Push Live, Club MTV and YO! MTV Raps.
Dead Pony
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “Our music scene in Manchester is the stuff of legend and we’re known the world over for our brilliant musicians and iconic venues.
“MTV Music Week will be a great showcase for our city and the stage is set for an incredible Manchester music takeover.
“A boost for the industry, our economy, and fantastic opportunities for some of our best homegrown artists as well as unforgettable performances for audiences to enjoy. We’re excited, can’t wait.”
The full line-up for MTV Music Week:
Tuesday November 5th
MTV Gonzo on Tour | Rebellion | 7.30pm – 10.30pm
“MTV Music Week kicks off at alternative music venue Rebellion with the epic indie and alternative music show MTV Gonzo on Tour. Bringing together some of UK’s best emerging indie rock bands and artists under one roof, the night will feature a line-up of exciting breakthrough artists including post punk trailblazers Dead Pony.”
Wednesday November 6th
MTV Push Live | Soup | 7pm – 10.30pm
“Ready to introduce fans to the hottest new breakthrough artists across Manchester’s thriving music scene, Wednesday will see MTV Push Live head to the award-winning live music venue, Soup. Featuring a co-curated line-up from Manchester music initiative Beyond the Music, the night will include unmissable performances from LARKINS, Phoebe Hall and more. The event sees the continuation of MTV Push and Beyond the Music’s partnership, which is set to kick-off with a team-up at Beyond the Music’s annual festival in October. At the festival, attendees will enjoy an MTV Push Live stage, plus MTV-curated panels.”
MTV x Ramona Radio Rave | Ramona | 7pm – 12am
“On the same night, Ramona will welcome some of Manchester’s hottest emerging dance music talents, with sets from Chunky, Ms Dee and Sno as part of a Ramona Radio MTV Takeover.”
Phoebe Hall
Wednesday November 6th – Friday 8th
MTV EMA: 30 Years | Aviva Studios, home of Factory International | 10am – 8pm
“For music fans looking to reminisce and take a trip into the MTV EMAs’ legendary history, the MTV EMA: 30 Years exhibition will run at Manchester’s arts and culture venue Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. Featuring images from all past editions of the MTV EMAs, curated from Getty Images’ archive, the exhibition celebrates the artists, performances and pop culture moments that have created a cultural legacy for generations of fans across the globe.”
Thursday November 7th
MTV Push Live | Band On The Wall | 7pm – 11am
“MTV Music Week continues with MTV Push Live at Band On The Wall, hosted by the electrifying Manchester DJ duo Shimrise. Delivering an evening featuring the city’s most exciting breakthrough talent, fans can expect a series of unique performances from alt-pop musician Nxdia, singer-songwriter Nina Cobham and R&B Soul artist Rumbi Tauro.”
MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy | New Century | 7pm – 11pm
“MTV Presents: Piri & Tommy arrives at New Century for a night of uplifting drum and bass, inspired by the UK’s student basement club culture. The pair, who first formed the band during COVID, were last year included in MTV Push’s Top 10 Artists list and made the longlist on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023. Piri & Tommy’s latest track ‘99%’ marks the group’s first release in a year.”
Shimrise
Friday November 8th
Yo! MTV Raps: NQ Rated | Freight Island | 7pm – 11pm
“The show that first gave rap and hip hop a global stage, YO! MTV Raps comes to Freight Island for an exclusive YO! MTV Raps x NQ showcase. A must-see live music experience, the Manchester label behind the acclaimed Northern rap scene has partnered with MTV to host a line-up including headliner Nemzzz, 163Margsand more.”
Saturday November 9th
MTV x Homobloc Brunch Royale | DieCast | 12pm – 3pm
“Those looking for the perfect Homobloc pre-party need look no further, as the storied LGBTQ+ event teams up with MTV for a mega brunch party at DieCast. Expect a spectacular show featuring special guests and led by some of Manchester’s most celebrated Queens Banksie & Lil, and a battle on the catwalk from Ghetto Fabulous presenting Black Peppa, Coco Canell, Shanika Sunrise & Verry Cherry, soundtracked by Gaydio’s Jackie P & Gina Breeze.”
MTV x Homobloc | The Roof Terrace at Depot Mayfield | 4pm-11pm
“Continuing the Homobloc celebrations, MTV is also hosting The Rooftop at Manchester nightlife institution Depot Mayfield featuring stage collaborations with local LGBTQ+ parties Homoelectric and Make Me Feel. Artists appearing across the roof terrace stages include Nicky Siano (Studio 54), Prosumer, ShyOne, Grove b2b Tash LC, Ruby Savage and local favourites Meme Gold and Kath McDermott, plus a fabulous collection of queens.”
Club MTV Presents: salute | Hidden | 10pm – 4am
“A pivotal city in the dance music revolution, Manchester’s cutting-edge dance scene is renowned across the globe, and what better way to close the week-long city takeover than with a night that celebrates one of the city’s most exciting emerging DJs, plus mega headliner salute. Named ‘Best Club’ in DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in 2023, Hidden has become a staple in the Manchester clubbing scene and the premier destination for electronic fans.”
You can grab tickets HERE.
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Boom Battle Bar: Ultimate games destination for perfect birthday, stag do or work party
The Cube Live adds three exciting new games for the perfect team day out
