Manchester hosts inaugural Christmas parade 

• Manchester hosted its first-ever Christmas Parade this Saturday
• The parade included over 200 participants and featured floats, live music, and performers in festive costumes
• The parade was a free and fun way for people to get into the holiday spirit, and may become an annual event, according to Councillor Pat Karney

On December 11, Manchester hosted its first-ever Christmas Parade, which was attended by thousands of people. The hour-long parade included over 200 participants and started in Deansgate before making its way across St Ann’s Street, Cross Street, and Market Street.

In the months leading up to Christmas, city centre companies collaborated with the Manchester City Council and Manchester BID (Business Improvement District) to create the parade and six Festive Sundays packed with street entertainment. 

The Christmas parade sought to build on the success of the city’s Manchester Day Parade, which began modestly in 2010 and now brings thousands of people to the city centre every June. 

The parade featured floats, live music, and performers dressed in festive costumes.

The parade takes place at a time when some people believe that the Manchester Christmas Markets are too overpriced this year. Some individuals have shared their criticisms on social media.

In response to these comments, Councillor Pat Karney, a Christmas spokesman for Manchester City Council, stated that the Christmas parade, rather than the stalls, was a free and entertaining opportunity for people to get into the holiday mood. In addition, all the decorations, lights, and trees are free for families to explore and enjoy.

The Councillor added, “Of course, we’re very conscious of the cost-of-living crisis and how it is affecting everyone at the moment.

We know that not everyone has the cash to splash out on a hot chocolate or gluhwein which is why our Christmas offer isn’t just about the markets this year.”