Fairy lights and frosted trees have given Mayfield Depot a complete festive makeover ahead of the Christmas season.
The outdoor venue has been transformed into 'Winter Island' - the UK's largest outdoor heated market, now complete with its very own purpose-built indoor ice rink.
The first of its kind here in Manchester, a completely self-contained mezzanine floor has been constructed over the food hall at 'Escape to Freight Island' offering a range of new additions that would cater for a family outing.
Small market stalls occupied by independent traders and a brand new boutique ice rink officially opened today, November 12.
The Manchester Evening News was offered a sneak peek into the new winter village development last night and it felt like the festive spirit truly was in the air.
Watch our live video from the event here.
Positioned underneath the industrial roof of Depot Mayfield, the ice rink offered great views of the rest of the venue.
Families wrapped up warm in hats and scarves before heading out onto the ice - some more successfully than others.
Food and drinks can be pre-ordered to suit skating needs - from mulled wine and festive beer, to grilled bratwurst and hog roast sandwiches.
Skaters will have full view of the stage inside Escape to Freight Island, which is set to host series of festive entertainment, from Christmas specials with The Untold Orchestra, to showings of all-time favourite Christmas films.
The new winter wonderland also features a Christmas tree forest and a host of stalls, including Great North Pie Co., a Bratwurst Grill, Traditional Hog Roast, a Mulled Wine and Hot Cider Hut, Local Chocolatier and Artisanal Cheese Stall.
It comes as the annual Manchester Christmas Markets kicked off again in full swing after a year of being away due to the pandemic.
Our reporters are in the city centre today providing live updates as the markets return.
Running until the end of December, the popular outdoor venue will present a series of ticketed and free events, from family raves, cabaret, live music and DJs, to comedy and film nights.
The new ice rink will be open all week, from 4pm - 11pm Monday to Thursday and then all day from 10 am - 11 pm from Friday - Sunday.
Tickets start at a reasonable £10 for adults, ranging up to £13 during busy peak times.
Children's tickets begin at £8 and increase to £11 during the same busy periods.
Students with valid ID pay £10.
To avoid disappointment, booking is encouraged online. You can do this here.
A full breakdown of the events coming up can also be found at the website.
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