Manchester Christmas lights switch-on event called off

Bonfire events are also not going ahead this year

Author: Olivia DaviesPublished 24th Oct 2023
Last updated 24th Oct 2023

Manchester City Council have confirmed the Christmas lights switch on will not be taking place this year.

Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester's Christmas spokesperson, said: "I know everyone in Manchester loves the Christmas switch on, and in past years, as people know, we've had around 20,000 excited Mancunians, particularly children and young people.

"I'm really disappointed to say that we've looked everywhere in the city centre to see if we can put on the Christmas slight switch on, but it's just not possible.

"Everyone knows that Albert Square is still not back with us and won't be back for some time so unfortunately we can't have a switch on this year. No other square in the city centre, is safety wise, useful.

"Christmas in Manchester has felt a little different in recent years, but we promise this year will be no less magical."

We do have the great Christmas parade to look forward to so all the youngsters and kids who came to the switch on - hopefully we'll see you at the Christmas parade."

Bonfire events

It's after the Council confirmed earlier this month that it will not be reinstating bonfire events in its parks and the position remains the same following the review post Covid.

Councillor Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: "As Halloween and bonfire night approach, we want to remind residents that council-organised bonfire events will again not be taking place in our parks this year.

"We have looked carefully at the cost benefit of putting on these huge bonfire events and with the continuing rising costs and pressure on our budgets, we feel that our focus, like last year, should be on delivering a bespoke programme of autumn and winter park activities for local communities starting with half-term in late October.

"Positive feedback has been received from delivering smaller scale events in parks, that concentrated on what local communities wanted, last year and we will continue to do the same again this year.

"We want to support families through the cost-of-living crisis and feel that this is much better way to target resources by providing a programme of events, whether that is sports and physical activity, arts and crafts, educational activities or initiatives that provide free or low-cost food, that are relevant and meaningful to residents in their local neighbourhoods.

"The Council will continue to work with our partners to ensure that all our residents stay safe this season."

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