UK’s largest fully outdoor heated winter market coming to Freight Island

Expect a Christmas tree forest plus festive traders including a bratwurst grill, traditional hog roast and a mulled wine and hot cider hut

Written by Louise Rhind-Tutt
Last updated 3 years ago
Food & Drink

Winter Island, the UK’s largest fully outdoor and heated market, is taking over the outside space of Escape to Freight Island next month, launching with a city centre firework display live from Depot Mayfield.

The winter wonderland will feature a Christmas tree forest and a host of new festive traders and stalls, including Great North Pie Co., a bratwurst grill, traditional hog roast, a mulled wine and hot cider hut, a local chocolatier and artisanal cheese stall – everything you could wish for as the winter nights draw in and Christmas sparkles into action.

Over the festive two months, as the outside space is transformed, Escape to Freight Island will present a series of ticketed and free events, from family raves, bonfire night, cabaret, live music and DJs, to comedy and film nights, live karaoke and Christmas workshops.

Plus, the festive season will see the return of The Untold Orchestra series live at Escape to Freight Island every Wednesday showcasing Christmas specials.

The enchanted festive space is open for families, friends, partners and colleagues to enjoy the magic of Christmas once again underneath the Manchester stars and Christmas trees.

Group bookings and private hires are also available for up to 2,000 guests with bespoke packages.

Amongst the wide array of series of programming, highlights include Homobloc and Escape to Freight Island’s very own Amuse Bouche on 7th November, a comedy night every Tuesday, modern-day orchestra from The Untold Orchestra every Wednesday, live karaoke ‘Masseoke’ on 20th November and 18th December, Craig Charles on 28th November and 12th December; and other jam-packed entertainment from the likes of Guilty Pleasures, Family Gorgeous and family-friendly activities with Playhouse Project, Teachrex, Fun DMC, Born to be Wild Child, plus Christmas workshop and more to be added.

Plus, visitors will be able to take advantage of the bottomless Champagne Brunch with live music every Saturday and Sunday in November and December, from 10am to 1pm.

Winter Island will open on Friday 5th November at Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, M1 2PZ. Bookings are now open here: escapetofreightisland.com – to book in for Winter Island, make sure you select a date from 5th November to the 31st of December under ‘General’ booking then choose ‘Outdoor’.

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