LIKE most folk, Taste of Manchester enjoys Christmas Markets time, but there’s only so much Glühwein, Bratwurst and wooden novelty items we can handle, so we are delighted to welcome a homegrown newcomer to the festive city centre scene – The Winter Gathering in the spectacular setting of London Road Fire Station.
A number of successful craft-driven events in the redeveloping space now look just rehearsals for this project, which will see the stunning buildings and courtyard – opposite Piccadilly train station – transformed into a winter market, featuring an ice skating rink, street food stalls, bars, an art space and a programme of live music and DJs.
The festive transformation of London Road will launch on November 11and run throughout the holiday season until January 8, opening from Tuesday to Sunday. By day ‘The Winter Gathering’ is a place to skate and eat with family and friends and by night the atmosphere will transform into an after hours party with live music and international acclaimed DJs soon to be announced. Previous line ups, organised by Elemental Events, have included ‘Solomon’s Yard’ hosted by Norman Jay and Grand Master Flash.
Street food stalls already confirmed include Steel Smoking, Bangers & Bacon, So Salad Crew and Wing It! and there will be a rotation of operators curated by the British Street Food Awards, with bars providing mulled wine, hot chocolate, local craft beer and cocktails.
The event also features a pop-up art space, exhibiting limited edition prints produced by leading Contemporary Galleries. There will be a number of Manchester designer makers on rotation selling artisan and boutique goods, run in partnership with Made Here, the market event producers who ran their very successful market event at the venue in September.
Tickets for the ice rink are not yet on sale. Follow @wintergathering