Manchester city centre gets ready for Christmas
Giant Santa under construction.
Manchester’s biggest, most festive red resident will return to his seat in front of the town hall this weekend with the return of the giant Santa.
The six-tonne giant Santa has become an icon of the city’s Christmas lights presiding over Albert Square’s Christmas Market throughout the festive season.
Council bosses say the giant Santa has braved some wild winters being the city’s festive mascot since 2007 – but he underwent a full refurbishment only last year.
He is being lifted into place this week, but his 100,000 low energy LED lights will only be turned on for the first time at Manchester’s famous Christmas Light Switch-on in Albert Square on Friday 4th November.
People can follow the modern Santa on his twitter account @MCRsanta, which means he will be tweeting Christmas messages through to the New Year.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said:
“We all know that Manchester is Santa’s favourite city and our giant Santa is an ode to the main man. However, you know him – Zippy or otherwise! – he’s become a real icon of our festive celebrations and a favourite of the millions of people who visit the city during the Christmas Markets.
“Santa will be taking his usual spot at town hall ready for our Christmas lights switch-on event on Friday 4 November – but in the meantime follow him on twitter for his unique perspective on Christmas in Manchester.”