Manchester’s biggest, most festive red resident will return to his seat in front of the town hall this weekend as the giant Santa returns.
The six-tonne giant Santa has become an icon of the city’s Christmas lights presiding over Albert Square’s Christmas Market throughout the festive season.
Santa will deliver his individual outlook via his twitter feed, along with taking up the mantle as VIP judge in a variety of Christmas competitions.Always to be relied upon to wade into any festive online conversation, follow him @MCRsanta and keep up with Christmas in Manchester.
Our giant Santa has braved some wild winters being the city’s festive mascot since 2007 – but he underwent a full refurbishment only last year.He is being lifted into place this week, but his 100,000 low energy LED lights will only be turned on for the first time at Manchester’s famous Christmas Light Switch-on in Albert Square on Friday 4 November.
Being a thoroughly modern Santa, he will be tweeting Christmas messages through to the New Year.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We all know that Manchester is Santa’s favourite city and our giant Santa is an ode to the main man. However, you know him – Zippy or otherwise! – he’s become a real icon of our festive celebrations and a favourite of the millions of people who visit the city during the Christmas Markets.
