By Meliza Sestito
Photography: Matthew Atherton
In true Mancunian style, the rain didn’t stop anyone singing and dancing along to performances from Sigala, Pixie Lott and Manchester boy band, Yes Lad, at this year’s celebrations.
The event also featured sneak peeks of upcoming Manchester Christmas shows, Guys and Dolls at the Royal Exchange Theatre and Shrek Live at the Palace Theatre, commencing this December and January.
Credit: Matt Atherton
The annual event is organised by Manchester City Council and this year was hosted by Key 103 stars Mike Toolan and Matt Haslam together with Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent, as Key 103’s own Gemma Atkinson is currently starring on Strictly Come Dancing!
Pixie Lott performed her chart topping hits as well as a stunning version of ‘White Christmas’ for the festive crowds.
Albert Square reached full capacity 50 minutes into the event with a staggering 20,000 people in attendance. Some eager fans had been waiting since the early afternoon in order to get the best view of the stage for the live performances.
A wedding party even joined in with the fun, and the bride and groom had their pictures taken in front of ‘Zippy’, the market’s infamous Santa, as the fireworks commenced.
Credit: Matt Atherton
Ben Forster and Liz McClarnon who play Buddy and Jovie in Elf: The Musical, which will open at The Lowry Theatre later this month, arrived to the stage in style via a sleigh complete with real reindeers.
Credit: Matthew Atherton
The evening ended with the performers joining the hosts on stage and the traditional countdown followed by a breathtaking fireworks display.
It was definitely a night to remember!
Featured image: WendyWei.pexels With the most anticipated night of the year right around the corner, the big question is looming: where are you going to celebrate it? Whether you dread it or count down the days, are new to the Manchester nightlife scene or are a regular, we’ve got your New Year’s Eve plans sorted….
By Georgia Robinson Featured image and gallery: Ruby Sharp Get one step ahead of your 2025 aesthetic and plan your outfits for the new year with this guide to all the trends we expect to see next year. Why not jazz up your wardrobe with trending accessories or browse Depop and Vinted for a pre-loved…
Featured image and gallery: Kaitlyn Brockley The rumble of trains passing through Piccadilly station, the hollers of touts (“tickets, buy or sell?”) and security (“have your IDs ready”), and the excitable chatter of gig-goers all audibly backdrop the outskirts of Manchester’s Mayfield Depot this dark, damp evening. Leaving the outside chill and travelling along the…
Featured image and gallery: Leo Woollison Crook Angela Cheveau and Kate Carne were crowned winners of the 2024 QuietManDave Prize on Friday. The short-form writing prize is held biennially to honour the memory of the much-loved and well-known Manchester writer and critic Dave Murray, who passed away in 2019. The writers were each awarded £1000…
Leave a reply