Christmas is well and truly on the horizon as feasts of festive fun are set to spring up in neighbourhoods across Manchester.
For many the Christmas period is a time to spend with friends, family and an opportunity to bring our communities together.
That’s why Manchester City Council has been working to support neighbourhoods this winter, providing thousands of pounds through the Neighbourhood Investment Fund (NIF) to spread the Christmas cheer.
Over the coming weeks there will be a host of local events taking place throughout the city; from lights switch-ons, to parades to festive events in our communities there will be a huge amount for residents to enjoy, wherever they live.
The NIF is a purpose-built investment pot that all wards in the city are able to access, providing up to £20,000 in grant funding to make communities better places to live. This can range from improving the environment, supporting new and existing community groups, and delivering events that bring communities together, as in this case, helping to fund Christmas events.
For information on all the great events which will be taking place in the run up to Christmas visit out website for dates and times.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods: “While we all know and love our world-famous Christmas markets there’s nothing quite like sharing the Christmas spirit with our friends and neighbours, in the place that we call home.
“We know how important it is that people can feel a sense of pride in where they live and feel part of a strong community. It’s why I’m proud that Manchester City Council can support these events through our neighbourhood funding, and help make this time of year feel more special.
“I hope all our residents will be able to turn out to their community events and help spread some Christmas cheer as 2025 comes to a close.”
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas Spokesman for Manchester, said: “Christmas is a time like no other in the year, when we can come together in our communities, as friends, neighbours and colleagues to celebrate one another, and ring in some festive cheer.
“I’m incredibly proud that we can use the Neighbourhood Investment Fund to brighten up people’s winter and I for one am incredibly excited to kick start Christmas in my own ward of Harpurhey when our lights switch-on at the end of this week.”