A frozen tiki bar and mini-ice slide are coming to Manchester’s Ice Village this festive season

Manchester’s enchanting Ice Village is returning to the Christmas Markets for its second year – and organisers have just revealed 2019’s all-new magical theme.

Centred around mythical beasts and royal regalia, mythical hand-carved ice beasts will guard a frozen castle whose battlements and turrets are built from solid blocks of ice.

And once you’ve made your way past frozen unicorns, griffins, and a massive dragon bathed in fire-red light into the castle’s ice block walls, you’ll be led on a royal encounter with a frozen prince and princess.

Along the way, you’ll find a royal carriage made of ice and a brand new mini ice slide – sure to be a hit with little ones.

What’s more, this year the ice bar is being expanded due to popular demand.

And a second ice tiki bar is also being installed promising a frozen slice of the South Pacific with Easter Island moai ice statues and exotic cocktails served in tiki mugs.

Elsewhere you’ll be able to visit Father Christmas in his charming timber cottage, set amidst the regal trees of Cathedral Gardens. A true Christmas tradition that’s not to be missed.

Work on the ice sculptures began as early as June and the site, which is part of Christmas Markets’ family zone, will open in November.

It will be maintained throughout the season at a shivery minus 10º to preserve the sculptures.