MediaCityUK’s The Snowman Christmas Light Switch On

MediaCityUK is holding its first ever Christmas lights switch on event to mark the opening of a host of festive attractions including the eagerly awaited Walking With The Snowman trail.

On Thursday, 22^nd November from 5pm, The Snowman fans will get to see the much-loved character of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming tale, when The Snowman, alongside BBC’s Pudsey Bear, will switch on MediaCityUK’s Christmas lights, in the Piazza.

Walking With The Snowman, organised in partnership with Wild in Art, will open to the public with 12 beautifully decorated The Snowman sculptures positioned around MediaCityUK to create a family-friendly winter trail, marking the 40^th anniversary of the Christmas classic story.

Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK said, “We’re delighted to be hosting our first Christmas lights switch on at MediaCityUK. Walking with the Snowman is set to be hugely popular with families enjoying a free day out over the festive season.  We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide and with so many attractions here this year, there is something for all ages. It felt right that we should mark the start of the festive season with our very own switch on event.”

“There will also be live music, festive food and a whole host of other entertainment, including the return of the much-loved Lightwaves attraction.”

The BBC’s legendary Mike Bushell will lead the switch on event, with additional entertainment from a musical line up of local community groups including Salford Steel and Reflections dance troop, plus exclusive discounts at MediaCityUK’s on-site bars and restaurants.

The full MediaCityUK festive events schedule will include:

Walking with The Snowman

Thursday, 22 November 2018 – Sunday, 6 January 2019

Experience the magic of the nation’s favourite Christmas story with this FREE festive art trail at MediaCityUK. Take a wintry walk around MediaCityUK this Christmas time to mark the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming tale, The Snowman. A collection of 12 beautifully decorated The Snowman sculptures are waiting to be discovered on this family-friendly trail. With each sculpture inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas, Walking with The Snowman is the perfect way to start your festive celebrations.

Christmas Crafts at MediaCityUK

Thursday, 8 and 9 December and Saturday, 15 and 16 December

Along with the Walking with The Snowman trail, children and families can enjoy craft workshops, including the opportunity to make a wonderful The Snowman and The Snowdog Lantern that sparkles by day and glows by night. They can also make a The Snowman Snow Globe or paint their very own bauble to hang on the tree at home. The crafts are taking place at Penelope’s café inside the Open Centre of MediaCityUK, individual workshops prices will apply, plus mums and dads can enjoy coffee and cakes.

To book workshop tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-crafts-at-mediacityuk-tickets-52353140653

All participants will also have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa Claus and deliver it themselves, over at Claus’ Christmas Cabin at the Lowry Outlet.

Christmas Trees at MediaCityUK

Saturday, 1 December –  Sunday, 23 December

Located on The Piazza, under the big screen, MediaCityUK will be hosting a traditional Christmas Tree market where you can hand pick your perfect tree while enjoying a mug of mulled wine. Adults and children are all welcome from 12pm – 7pm every day in December for this memorable experience.

Lightwaves 2018 at MediaCityUK

Friday, 7 December – Sunday, 16 December

The annual festival, Lightwaves by Quays Culture, returns with its FREE inspiring digital light art displays, illuminating the public spaces for an unforgettable 10 days.

Featuring new and exclusively commissioned digital art displays alongside emerging talent and light workshops, from local, national, and international artists. #Lightwaves2018 will bring light to those dark winter nights, as 16 light experiences span across Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.