Families turned out in their tens of thousands on Sunday for Manchester’s magical Christmas Parade which brought an extra special sparkle to the city’s streets – despite the weather.
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, 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.
A fabulous toy procession, giant snow-coloured yeti, oversized polar bear with playful giant paws, mistletoe dancing mice, Christmas robins and a toe-tapping hip hop elf had everyone clapping and cheering.
Everyone also loved the enchanting Snow Queen inside her giant snow globe, Aurora Borealis stilt walkers and the airborne puppetry of Cloud Travellers Nimbus and Cumulus who from their illuminated clouds cast magical raindrops from the tips of their fingers.
Elton Wrong piano man and his portable stadium stage, playing the piano and crooning his way through a top ten of pop hits and show tunes had everyone singing along, whilst the Global Grooves Nutcracker Bloco Band brought the festive vibes playing Santa’s favourite Christmas songs.
The day also saw plenty of pop-up festive fun around the city and Christmas themed giveaways along the parade route – including a Christmas crafting marquee for children who were invited to get crafting and then join Father Christmas and his band of mischievous elves and walk with them in the parade.
An extra-special treat was also in store this year to help spread a little more Christmas cheer courtesy of the same naughty elves who gave away 1500 vouchers for free hot chocolate winter-warmers as part of ‘Santa Sunday’ to any Santa wannabes who turned up dressed head-to-toe as Santa or sporting a Santa hat.
Councillor Pat Karney 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 this has proved once again why Manchester is Santa’s favourite city.”
This year’s Manchester Christmas Parade was sponsored for the first time by Manchester-based company Rosgal Ltd.
Kerry Breheny, director of Rosgal Ltd, said: “Founded in Manchester 25 years ago, we’re proud to support the city during the festive season. As a local business working on major infrastructure projects across the region, we’re committed to giving back to the community and making this Christmas memorable for families across Manchester.”
