Manchester Road Closures Expected for Christmas Parade

Residents and visitors in Manchester are advised to plan their journeys in advance due to several road closures facilitating a procession featuring dancing mice, elves on stilts, and a giant polar bear. Manchester’s Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, following an extended route that commences and concludes at the city’s cathedral. Hundreds of participants in vibrant costumes will traverse a path through the city, with certain roads becoming inaccessible by 08:00 GMT and reopening by 17:00. This event coincides with what is anticipated to be a busy weekend in the city, alongside Christmas markets, multiple major concerts, and football matches. On Sunday, specific thoroughfares around Deansgate, including Victoria Street, Market Street, St Mary’s Gate, and Cateaton Street, will be closed from 08:00 for parade preparations. The procession will begin at the cathedral at 13:00, proceeding along a segment of Deansgate to its intersection with John Dalton Street. The parade route then continues to Cross Street, before looping back along Market Street and returning to the cathedral. These particular sections will be closed between 11:00 and 15:00, with all roads expected to be accessible again by 17:00. Manchester City Councillor Pat Karney described the “magical” event as “great for families and young kids”. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets to observe the procession. Accessible viewing areas have been established in the lay-by outside the Roxy Ball Room and Be At One venues on Deansgate. An additional accessible spot will be located by the benches outside Boots on Cross Street. Parking will be suspended along the parade route from after 18:00 on Friday until 17:00 on Sunday. The public is urged to utilize public transport to reach the city centre where feasible, as millions are projected to visit in December for the Christmas markets, shopping, and other activities. Transport for Greater Manchester indicated that travel times would be longer on congested roads. They advised visitors to consider using park-and-ride facilities and “re-routing” their trips to avoid the busiest areas. These include Manchester’s inner ring road, shopping centres, car parks, and event venues. Peak periods are forecast between 14:00 and 20:00 on the upcoming Sundays, with car journeys potentially taking an additional 30 minutes. Metrolink tram services between St Peter’s Square and Exchange Square will be temporarily suspended to allow the parade to pass between 12:00 and 2:30 on Sunday. Outside of this period, transport authorities are encouraging people to use trams, with increased capacity provided for the festive season.