One elf of a celebration

HEART-WARMING AND FEEL-GOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE RETURNS

- DIANNE BOURNE

THE date, time and an extended route for the return of Manchester's magical Christmas Parade in 2024 has been announced.

Billed as 'THE heart-warming and feel-good event of the festive season, the parade is free to watch as it weaves its way through the centre.

The now annual parade has become a firm festive favourite with families in the city since first taking place two Christmases ago. This year it will include a spectacular elf train.

Now, council bosses have confirmed more details for the 2024 parade, which will take place on Sunday, December 8.

And it will take a longer route this year to allow even more families to line the streets and catch all the festive fun taking place.

Organisers say this year's parade promises even more festive flair and fun than previous years with over 400 participants taking part in a 'joyous promenade through the city centre sprinkling pure festive magic along the way, guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts! With live music bringing the sounds of the season and colourful dancers at every turn, the centrepiece of this year's parade is sure to be Manchester's very own Elf Express a spectacular train with carriages full of elves that will be making a special stop in Santa's favourite city on its way to Santa's workshop in the North Pole.