Yasmin Duggal
11 Sept 2018
Yes, we're already talking about Christmas
Britain's first ever ice village (yes, not just a bar, a whole village!) is coming to Manchester's Cathedral Gardens this Christmas.
The village will include an ice cave housing a frozen toy factory and Santa's grotto, along with an ice rink and free festive activities - and there will be an ice bar.
Cathedral Gardens is usually the home to part of the city's famous Christmas markets, and this year will be transformed into a journey of ice attractions, starting with a steam train crafted entirely from ice.
Work has already begun on the village which opens in November, with a team of the world's best ice artists crafting ice sculptures which will be part of the immersive experience. The sculptures are set to include elves and winter animals against a backdrop celebrating Manchester's industrial history. A tribute to women's suffrage will be featured, alongside significant historical figures from different areas of Manchester's rich culture.
The village will also have a stage with festive family entertainment and vintage fairground games will also feature.
So get ready to get chilly and get boozy - only eight weeks stand between you, too much mulled wine and an offensively large santa looming over Albert Square.