The annual Christmas Lights spectacular will move from Albert Square for the first time as the Town Hall transformation project continues. 

Following more than two decades of events in the shadow of Manchester’s iconic town hall building, the switch-on event will move to Deansgate, near the Cathedral, to celebrate the beginning of the festive season in the city. 

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, 14 November - the week following the Christmas Markets opening (Friday 8 November)

Thousands of people attend the celebration with stars of music, stage and screen providing the entertainment. 

The acts for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “Albert Square has been our Christmas lights home for many years but it’s exciting to try a new location while the Town Hall transformation continues. Get this in your diary now. The show is never one to be missed as we welcome Christmas in Manchester – Santa’s favourite city, of course.”

Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Deansgate is tried and tested, and the stage show will be the spectacular event we have come to expect from our Christmas lights switch-on. It’s a family show and a great excuse to get everyone together to celebrate the festive season in Manchester.”