Families turned out in their tens of thousands today for Manchester’s magical Christmas Parade which brought an extra special sparkle to the city’s streets – despite the weather – in what has fast become the heart-warming event of the festive season.
Now in its third year, the fabulous family favourite parade was even bigger and better this year with well over 400 participants taking part in a route that was packed with families and children.
Filled with a Santa’s sack-full of magical moments the memory-making parade delighted the crowds from start to finish.
Led by Father Christmas himself who was hitching a ride to the North Pole on the spectacular Elf Express joined by a band of mischievous elves, the parade saw cheeky segway skiers swooping and sliding their way along the parade route in vibrant retro ski gear, whilst blasting out festive Christmas classics in a flurry of fun.
The city council worked with a range of partners including outdoor arts organisation Walk the Plank, Global Grooves, Handmade Parade, and Fools Paradise to help make sure this year’s Manchester Christmas Parade the best yet.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “A big shout-out to all our Christmas hero parade participants for braving the cold and the wind today to help make sure this year’s parade went ahead and was such a stunning success.
“Seeing the absolute joy on the faces of all the children and families who turned out to watch it was fantastic and made it all worthwhile.
“Our Christmas Parade is one hundred per cent made for memories and bringing families together to enjoy special times together like this is what the festive season is all about.
“There really is nowhere quite like Manchester at Christmas and today has proved once again why Manchester is Santa’s favourite city.
“Happy Christmas everyone!”
