Roads to close for city's Christmas Parade

Hundreds are expected to take part in the parade

People are being warned to plan ahead as a number of roads in Manchester shut to make way for a procession of dancing mice, elves on stilts and a giant polar bear.

Manchester's Christmas Parade is set to take place on Sunday along an extended route that starts and ends at the city's cathedral.

Hundreds of colourfully-costumed participants will then move along a route around the city, with some roads to shut by 08:00 GMT and reopening by 17:00.

It comes on what is set to be a busy weekend in the city, with Christmas markets, alongside several major concerts and football matches.

Which roads are closed?

On Sunday, some roads around Deansgate will shut from 08:00 to prepare for the parade, including Victoria Street, Market Street, St Mary's Gate and Cateaton Street.

The parade starts at the cathedral at 13:00 and moves along a section of Deansgate to its junction with John Dalton Street.

It then moves along to Cross Street, before looping back along Market Street and returning to the cathedral.

These sections will be shut between 11:00 and 15:00, with all roads set to reopen by 17:00.

Manchester's first Christmas Parade was held in 2022

How can I watch the parade?

Manchester City Councillor Pat Karney said the "magical" event was "great for families and young kids".

Crowds have been invited to line the streets to watch the procession, with accessible viewing areas put up in the lay-by outside the Roxy Ball Room and Be At One venues on Deansgate.

Another one will be set up by the benches outside Boots on Cross Street.

Parking will be suspended along the route ahead of the parade from after 18:00 on Friday until 17:00 on Sunday.

Should I drive in?

People have been urged to get public transport into the city where possible, with millions expected in the city centre in December for the Christmas markets, shopping and other events.

Transport for Greater Manchester said journeys would take longer on busy roads, and advised visitors to consider using park-and-ride sites, and "re-routing" trips to avoid the busiest areas.

These include the inner ring road in Manchester, shopping centres, car parks and event venues.

Peak periods are expected between 14:00 and 20:00 on the next few Sundays, with car trips expected to take 30 minutes longer.

Are trams affected?

Metrolink trams between St Peter's Square to Exchange Square will be suspended to allow the parade to pass between 12:00 and 2:30 on Sunday.

Otherwise, transport bosses are encouraging people to use trams, with capacity boosted for the festive season.