The stars came out for the VIP launch of Winter Wonderland Manchester earlier this week.

Spotted getting into the Christmas spirit were Coronation Street’s Simon Gregson, Catherine Tyldesley, Tina O’Brien and Jane Danson who escaped some heartbreaking storylines for some festive family fun.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Yaya Toure, Jesus Navas, Pablo Zabeleta and Bacary Sagna had a ball with their families, along with former Bolton Wanderers’ player Emile Heskey and WAGs Carla Kompany, Jessica Ireland and Jude Cisse whose sons could be seen kicking a football around – obviously following in their father’s footsteps.

Cold Feet actor John Thompson brought his wife and kids along for the rides and Milk Tray Man Patrick McBride swapped his famous black polo neck for a Christmas jumper and had great fun with his son on the fairground.

The mammoth 22,000 sq m exhibition space at EventCity has been transformed into an unbelievable wonderland extravaganza, featuring over 50 family rides and attractions all under one roof – including new rides for 2016 featuring a giant carousel, and all included in one ticket price.

As well as the rides and the bright lights, there are a dazzling array of colourful shows including an exciting new addition for 2016 – a Christmas pantomime!

Winter Wonderland is proud to host its first ever mini panto – Cinderella. Inspired by the classic, rags to riches fairy tale, your little princes and princesses will love this enchanting production which will have you booing and hissing and yelling “he’s behind you!”

To coincide with the new Star Wars film, the festive force will be awakened at Winter Wonderland this year with the launch of a brand new Sci-Fi show. Inspired by Star Wars, there will be Jedi Knight training so you can channel your inner Luke Skywalker.

This year, Winter Wonderland is delighted to welcome the nation’s favourite fox – Basil Brush. Come and see naughty uncontrollable Basil, along with his chum Mr Matt who will together take you on a journey of laughter and song, in a show packed with fun and excitement. A show for all the family, come and join in the mayhem. In Basil’s own words…”Boom Boom!”

The spectacular Christmas Circus also makes a welcome return delivering the finest collection of circus acts that will leave everyone marvelled and amazed with daily performances.

Of course, Christmas would not be complete without visiting Santa Claus. And this year, Santa is inviting all the children to come and visit him in his house which he has transported all the way from the North Pole! You can walk through all his rooms including his bedroom where he swaps his red suit for his PJs! And for an extra £3.50 he will throw in a little gift too! Don’t forget to stop and say hi to the real reindeer, not forgetting Rudolph of course!

Children will be enchanted by the Ice Princesses, Fairies and Elves who love to play and chat and have ‘s-elfies’ with the children. Plus, if you are still pining for the summer, there will be a beach where you can build a sandcastle or enjoy a well-deserved rest in a deckchair! And you may get the chance to meet Pip Ahoy from Channel 5’s Milkshake!

There will also be a whole host of games stalls and a vast array of food and drinks stalls to purchase refreshments including hot snacks and sweet treats.

Winter Wonderland operates on a session basis to ensure visitors can enjoy the experience without overcrowding offering families four hours of non-stop fun and entertainment.

Group, family and individual tickets are on sale now and the event is now offering VIP corporate packages for companies who are looking to treat staff and their families to an extra special Christmas day out.

Winner of the Best Family Day Out at the Raring 2 Go Awards 2015, Winter Wonderland 2016 is running until Monday, 1st January 2017 at EventCity next to the Intu Trafford Centre in Manchester. Free parking available.

Tickets

Tickets are £19.50 for children and adults, OAPs £14 and under threes FREE. Family tickets are available for £64 (booking fees apply).

To book tickets visit www.winterwonderlandmanchester.com

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