Research shows that Manchester Christmas Market goers will have only 32 public toilets available

New research from Victorian Plumbing has shown that Manchester Christmas Market goers will have just 32 public toilets to choose from. This comes as a predicted 375,000 are set to attend the markets each day this weekend and this figure doesn’t include pop up portaloos. 

The bathroom supplier has carried out research across the UK into the diminishing number of public toilets in each city. Manchester is set to have no public toilets by the year 2059. 

The ratio of toilets to Christmas market visitors according to Victorian Plumbing is one set of toilets to 11,719 visitors. From the research, this is the third worst ratio in the country.

The research comes as it is predicted around nine million people will visit the Manchester Christmas Markets this year. The range of tasty food and drink options will inevitably lead to a lot of people needing to use facilities which Victorian Plumbing has found to be in short supply. 

Research was carried out by using the Great British Public Toilet Map. For full findings, visit the Victorian Plumbing website.

Brenna Ryan of the Victorian Plumbing Marketing Team said: “It may seem like a trivial thing to worry about, but the dwindling number of public toilets speaks to a broader issue of societal neglect. Every year, the numbers decrease, and with it, so does our promise of a basic human right: the right to sanitation. It's not just about answering nature's call, but about upholding the dignity of everyone, irrespective of age, gender, or social status."

"Beyond the obvious health implications, the absence of public toilets affects a vulnerable portion of our society more profoundly. Think about the elderly, the pregnant, or those with specific medical conditions. The reduction of public toilets affects their mobility, forcing many to think twice before leaving their homes. This diminishes the quality of life and pushes them towards isolation."

Councillor Pat Karney Manchester City Council's Christmas spokesperson said: "The comfort and wellbeing of all visitors to our fantastic Christmas Markets is very important to us and something we take seriously. Our markets are just one of the world-beating attractions that bring visitors into Manchester and we work closely with partners across the tourism, leisure and retail sector to ensure the needs of everyone visiting the city are met.

"This also includes ensuring the provision of accessible toilets and changing facilities in the city centre to make sure everyone can enjoy their visit to Manchester without having to hurry home."