Manchester’s festive illumination unveiling postponed once more

Manchester’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event has once again been cancelled, according to the city council. The decision is due to ongoing development in the city centre and the lack of a suitable safe location for the event, just as it was in 2022. The switch-on has been on hiatus since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic. Councillor Pat Karney acknowledged the disappointment but assured that alternative family-friendly events, such as a Christmas parade, a giant Father Christmas display, and a light trail, will still bring the magic of the holiday season to Manchester. Despite the absence of the traditional switch-on, the council is committed to creating a memorable Christmas experience for the community. They are focusing their efforts on organizing other festivities, including a bigger and better parade than last year. While Christmas in Manchester may have felt different in recent years, this year’s celebrations will not be any less enchanting.