WE can almost hear the sizzle of the first Wurst on the grills and taste that virgin dab of German mustard. Time to dust off the collection of Gluhwein mugs you should really have returned. Yes, the council has confirmed the dates for the Manchester Christmas Markets 2018.
The festive communal scrum returns from November 9 to December 22 with the main market hub in front of the Town Hall in Albert Square staying open for an extra day as usual, until December 23. The 300 stalls will be scattered across St Ann's Square, Cathedral Gardens, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Market Street, Brazennose Street and King Street, open from 10am until 8pm (Albert Square 9pm).
Dates have yet to be confirmed for the city's Christmas lights switch on but it usually takes place a week before the markets arrive, with a free concert in Albert Square. Who can top last year’s star turn, Pixie Lott.