Almost two thirds of Mancunians believe Christmas celebrations start too early according to survey

Almost two thirds of people in Manchester believe that people start celebrating Christmas too early. This is according to a new survey carried out by mobile network provider giffgaff.

The average smartphone user will take 69 images and videos over the festive period - and share more than a third of them on social media. A poll of 2,000 adults, who own a smartphone and post on social media, found a night out with friends, a winter walk and Christmas markets were among the most common images to share.

The study also found Sunderland locals are the most prolific users when it comes to taking, posting and sharing images over Christmas. When it comes to celebrating Christmas, the survey found that 62% of those in Manchester think we start too early- while 30% per cent of those in Leeds think the opposite.

Facebook was the top app for uploading images (53 per cent), followed by Instagram stories (42 per cent), while 28 per cent prefer to do an Instagram grid post.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found 52 per cent are of the opinion that there’s ‘no such thing as too much’ when it comes to Christmas posts. While 77 per cent feel their most cherished festive memories are stored on their phones, with 75 per cent capturing more special moments because of social media and having a smartphone.

Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, which commissioned the research to mark its offer of 500GB of data for the first six months of its £20 contract, said: “The festive period is a time for connecting with friends and loved ones.

“The research shows us that smartphones play an important part of people’s lives, especially when it comes to cherishing those key festive memories for years to come. Whether that’s being together in person, connecting over the phone or sharing special moments on social media, no one should have to worry about being cut off."

Cities most active on their phones over the festive period

1. Sunderland   2. Coventry     3. Liverpool    4. Brighton and Hove  5. Bournemouth/ Poole       6. Birmingham   7. Belfast      8. Stoke on Trent     9. Leeds  10. Manchester   11. Reading      12. Cardiff      13. London       14. Newcastle    15. Sheffield    16. Edinburgh    17. Glasgow      18. Southampton/ Portsmouth  19. Middlesbrough      20. Leicester