Festive season at intu Trafford Centre kicks off with £1m Christmas lights switch-on

There may be almost two months to go till Christmas but when it comes to retail, the festive season always starts early.

Nothing gets you in the Crimbo mood more than walking through the intu Trafford Centre when it’s decked with twinkling lights and all kinds of festive cheer. It’s enough to melt even the most Scrooge-like hearts.

The festive season at intu Trafford Centre officially kicked off yesterday with the big Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, which has seen pop stars such as Peter Andre and Fleur East perform in previous years, was completely reinvented this year by DJ Dave Haslam, with a soundtrack of club anthems brought to life by Manchester’s Camerata musicians –  the first orchestra ever to perform at the switch-on.

Gospel and house singer Rachel McFarlane took centre stage to sing her 1994 Loveland hit Let the Music Lift You Up, the cool, drifting hymn of praise from the background showing off her low, relaxing but emotional and soulful voice.

There’s plenty more going on at intu Trafford Centre between now and the big day. Here’s just a few highlights:

Christmas Grotto 

Make sure you head north this Christmas and embark on a magical and breathtaking adventure to the North Pole – the Polar Expedition at intu Trafford Centre. There’ll be Northern Lights and Eskimo Elves to guide you through an Arctic wonderland as you journey to meet Santa and his polar friends. Click here for more info.

Coca-Cola Truck Tour

Nothing says Christmas like that Coca-Cola commercial. Seeing it on our TV screens signals that the festive season is well and truly underway. On your visit to intu Trafford Centre, you’ll have the chance to have your photo taken with the iconic truck. You’ll then receive a complementary 150ml can of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or new improved Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Once the sun has set, you’ll be invited to enjoy an incredible after-dark surprise as the team screen a short Christmas animation onto the truck, powered by your goodwill and festive cheer. Click here for more info.

Magical Christmas Parade

On 18 November, kids will have the chance to be enchanted by some of their favourite children’s characters as well as enjoy music, dancing and other themed fun at the shopping centre’s The Orient. The Christmassy carnival will feature parades at 11.30am and 2.30pm to give everyone the chance to experience the festivities and catch a glimpse of their favourite characters. Click here for more info.

Breakfast with Santa

Be one of Santa’s special guests as he hosts a decadent festive breakfast for you and your friends and all the family at Selfridges. Meet the man himself and receive a special gift bag, while tucking into delicious festive food and drink. After breakfast, enjoy story time with Santa’s elves. Food and festive cheer galore. It’s a win-win. Click here for more information. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 2–17 December, 9am and 10.30am

Selfridges Christmas Party Parade

The confetti canons are poised, the marching band is ready and Santa has limbered up for his best dance moves. Join Santa and his joyous procession of merrymakers for a see-it-to-believe-it festive celebration like no other.  The parade will take place in the accessories department on Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December at 5pm. Click here for more info.