Things to do in Manchester this weekend (9-11 December) – including Manchester Christmas Parade and Blossoms

Christmas is well and truly underway, as demonstrated by the number of fun seasonal events happening in Manchester this weekend.

On this week’s events round-up we have a first for Manchester with the city centre Christmas Parade, as well as two concerts to get you into the festive spirit at the Bridgewater Hall.

For anyone not glued to the World Cup this weekend, it’s the women’s Manchester Derby and Blossoms are headlining the O2 Apollo.

Manchester Christmas Parade

Various locations, Sunday 11 December, 1pm

For the first time ever, Manchester is hosting a Christmas parade through the streets of the city centre, kicking off at 1pm at Deansgate. It will then make its way through St Ann’s Street, Cross Street and St Mary’s Gate, and feature interesting characters such as the Jacks of Frost and Fairy stilt-walkers, an Arctic Fox, and runaway Christmas Presents, to Cocky Robins, Glowing Gastropods. A special Toy Procession will also passing through Manchester Arndale.

This is one that’s not to be missed. More information can be found on the Visit Manchester website.

The Hallé - Messiah, A Dickensian Christmas

Bridgewater Hall

There’s a double bill of fantastic concerts at the Bridgewater Hall this weekend, starting with a rousing performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Halle Choir on Saturday 10 December, 6pm. Tickets start at £15.50 and can be found on the Bridgewater Hall’s website.

Then, on Sunday 11 December, 3pm, comedian and actor Stephen Mangan (Green Wing, Episodes) will be presenting A Dickensian Christmas – a celebration of Victorian carols, accompanied by readings from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets start at £25 and can also be purchased on the venue’s website.

Brass Monkeys Festival 2022

Oldham, Saturday 10 December, 11am –3pm

You can’t beat a good brass band at Christmas and nowhere does brass bands better than Oldham. The annual Brass Monkeys festival is back this year, bringing together some of the best bands in the region, including Worker Bee Brass, Boarhurst Silver Band, Uppermill Brass Band, Dobcross Brass Monkeys, Oldham Music Centre and Flat Cap Brass. The event is free and will be taking place at High Street, Tommyfield Market, Oldham Parish Church. More information can be found on Oldham council’s website.

Blossoms

O2 Apollo, 8-11 December

Stockport’s own Blossoms are playing four nights at the O2 Apollo this week, starting on Thursday 8 December. The indie band have been going from strength to strength recently. Their latest album Ribbon Around The Bomb, released earlier this year, became their third UK number one album. Tickets start at around £40 and can be purchased via the venue’s website.

Manchester Women’s Derby

Etihad Stadium, Sunday 11 December

To some, the World Cup might be the only football that matters at the moment, but it’s derby day in Manchester this weekend as Manchester City and Manchester United women’s teams play at the Etihad on Sunday 11 December. Kick off is at 12:30 and tickets, which start at £8, can be purchased via the Manchester City website.