Candlelight Arena to launch in Manchester this Christmas

To mark its fifth year of trading, Concerts By Candlelight will open a purpose-built 1,000 sq m  ‘big top’ venue creating an immersive Christmas wonderland, bringing together magical candlelight, acclaimed West End stars, world-class live musicians, breathtaking production and festive atmosphere, to create an experience unlike anything audiences have seen before

Launched in 2021 with a socially-distanced performance at a church in Salford, Manchester-based Concerts By Candlelight produces 800 candlelit shows every year across the UK and Ireland.

It has also performed to overseas audiences in Australia, New Zealand, New York, Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is one of the UK’s leading live entertainment organisations.

Having welcomed more than 1.2 million audience members to its shows, ‘The Candlelight Arena’ is the company’s most ambitious venture to date, creating a 860-seat venue.

For one magical month, the Christmas By Candlelight tour will take up residency inside The Candlelight Arena at the Trafford Centre for an exclusive ten-show run, bringing together a range of festive productions The residency is a partnership with Gandey World Class Productions, who will be at The Trafford Centre for a 5th year with their family spectacular ice show, ‘Snow Storm’.

Daniel Wood, Co Founder of Concerts By Candlelight, said: “Bringing The Candlelight Arena to Manchester genuinely means a lot to me. Manchester is not only my hometown, it’s also where Concerts By Candlelight began five years ago.

“While we’ve grown far beyond what I could ever have imagined back then, this city will always be where the story started. Launching our biggest and most ambitious project yet here feels like a real full-circle moment.

“We’ve always believed that live music should feel immersive and special and, with The Candlelight Arena, we’ve created something completely unique for Christmas. From the moment guests step inside, they’ll be surrounded By candlelight, festive atmosphere, incredible music and some truly outstanding West End talent.

“It’s more than just a venue. It’s a place where people can come together, celebrate the season and make lasting memories. We’re incredibly proud to be bringing it to the Trafford Centre, and there’s nowhere else we’d rather launch this new chapter than right here in Manchester.”

Sandra Blakelidge, Singer at Concerts By Candlelight, said: “To be part of a project like The Candlelight Arena in my home city is so special. I’ve had the privilege of performing with Concerts By Candlelight for many years and have seen first-hand how much audiences connect with these shows.

“The Candlelight Arena takes that experience to another level. It’s not just about the music, it’s about creating unforgettable memories, in a more connected way than ever. Concerts By Candlelight started here in Manchester, so this launch feels even more meaningful, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

Inside The Candlelight Arena, guests will discover a magical world of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive decor, indoor snowfall and hundreds of glowing candles, all set beneath the canvas of a spectacular heated Christmas ‘big top’ venue.

Designed so every guest feels close to the action, it will combine the magic of a candlelit concert with the scale and spectacle of a major live production.

Not forgetting the celebrations, guests can also enjoy a fully stocked bar throughout the evening, making The Candlelight Arena the ultimate festive destination for Christmas parties, family gatherings, seasonal celebrations and unforgettable nights out.

The ten Candlelight Arena shows are:

Each show will feature spellbinding production, celebrating iconic artists, festive favourites and timeless classics in a uniquely immersive setting.

Unlike a traditional theatre experience, The Candlelight Arena has been designed to create a closer connection between performers and audiences, ensuring every guest feels part of the magic from the moment they arrive.