David Dixon/Geograph
The most popular traders from the Christmas Markets can be found in pop-ups in Piccadilly Gardens and St Ann’s Square this week – basically a couple of ‘mini’ versions of the highly popular city attraction.
The two mini markets will take place over the next two weeks and will feature some of the most popular food vendors.
At St Ann’s Square visitors can expect gooey cookie dough creations from Elsie May, and Porky Pig will be serving up their famous Yorkshire pudding wraps.
Porky Pig Carvery
Eat Greek will also be serving up their halloumi fries and you can get your hands on the market staple mini pancakes and bratwurst, as well as burritos from Mango Rays.
Unfortunately, if you’re prone to a festive tipple, alcohol will not be permitted at the mini-markets meaning NO MULLED WINE OR BEERS!
The existing Winter Market in Piccadilly Gardens has also now been expanded so there will be a range of craft and gift stalls. As well as being smaller, the markets are likely to look a lot different with social distancing measures in place.
Elsie May Cookie Dough
The number of people who can access the stalls will be limited and there will be a one-way system.
Is this a good idea? Just this weekend Nottingham was forced to close it’s tiny Christmas Markets in the centre of the city after just ONE DAY. Is the council just asking for trouble?
Coun Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We know people were so disappointed to hear this year’s Christmas Markets could not go ahead.
“Public safety must be at the heart of everything we do, and we could not put on our usual world-class event while keeping people safe.
“Since then, we have been looking at ways of supporting the Christmas traders at an important time of year for their businesses, while also attracting people to the city centre in a safe and manageable way.
“Our Winter Markets have attracted some of the city’s – and region’s – top makers and traders, who provide a real alternative to the high street.”
