This festive season, Winter Island will transform Freight Island into the UK’s largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival, from Thursday 9^th November until Christmas Eve, Sunday 24^th December.

New addition for this year, Mayfield Park will see The Twilight Trail – an enchanting winter light show, set to launch on Friday 17^th November and will be running until Sunday 31^st December.

In partnership with Mayfield Park and Freight Island, The Twilight Trail will be the perfect inner-city Christmas destination designed for all ages, from families, couples, groups, and everyone in between. The budget-friendly festive destination is strategically located in city centre, just a short 5-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station providing easy transport link including trains, trams and buses.

This immersive winter light show is the first event of its kind at Mayfield Park. Affordable tickets are available now – with adult ticket (13+) of £9 and child ticket (3-12) of £7 for November dates, and adult ticket (13+) of £10 and child ticket (3-12) of £8 for December dates. Under 2s go free across all dates. Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) available at £28 for November dates and £32 for December dates. Tickets are available to book now: www.twilighttrail.co.uk.

Laura Percy, Development Director at LandSecU+I, leading the regeneration of Mayfield, said: “The new Twilight Trail promises to be a brilliant addition to both Mayfield Park and the whole of Manchester city centre, complementing the Christmas markets, which are such a popular destination for thousands of visitors every year.”

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our neighbours in Ardwick and Brunswick, particularly families, a large number of complimentary tickets so that as many people as possible can come and enjoy the Trail.”

“The spirit of innovation at Mayfield is long-established and it’s great to see our partners at Freight Island continuing to push the boundaries with this exciting autumn programme.”

Jon Drape from The Twilight Trail said: “We are thrilled to bring a new festive experience to Mayfield Park this year. The Twilight Trail’s unique light installations will completely transform this incredible park. We are very proud to be able to deliver such a wonderful experience at an affordable price this year, whether for the family, groups of friends or a date night. Combined with the opportunity to visit the brand-new Winter Island next door we believe Depot Mayfield is set to be an unrivalled Christmas destination in the UK.”

Beginning the journey with The Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park, visitors will explore enchanting lighting installations taking over the 6.5-acre park and finish the trail at Freight Island where they are encouraged to stay for further festive experiences – from Christmas food and drink to Visit Santa Experience, and much more.

Perfect for an indulgent Christmas, Winter Island will host various traders for a special festive menu. The city’s favourite chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana will offer build your own hot chocolate with boozy options, plus other chocolate treats and delights. The Teesside delicacy Parmogeddon be doing what it does best at a new home at Freight Island this Christmas

An all-new all-cheese concept, Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s will be serving some Italian American toasties, deep fried sides of Burrata in tomato sauce, melted Camembert, Taleggio nuggets as well as garlic and herb oil loaded Roasties with Pizza, Hot Chicken, Pesto, and Poutine toppings.

Over at Smoking Coal German BBQ, the team will be serving Schweinshaxe in a bun, a whole Bratwurst menu and a classic Hog Roast butty. To match, the Freight Island’s tap room will host an exclusive Paulaner bar takeover and every Sunday, the recently launched Seconds carvery will be there with a festive twist.

The feast continues… all of Freight Island’s existing traders will also be up and running as usual – including the premium smashed burgers from Burgerism, giant 22” pizza and slices from Voodoo Ray’s, slab shack from Lazy Tony’s Lasagnaria, award-winning curry in a pie from Patel’s Pies, tandoori and Indian street food from Payal, Venezuelan cuisine from Mia’s Arepas, pan-Asian cuisine from FUKU, Mediterranean street food, from Mega Gyros, cheesecake on a stick from Oh My Cheesecake, and fries in a cone from Fry-By.

Freight Island’s Plant Room will be transformed into a captivatingGrotto, where it will host a special Visit Santa Experience – an interactive journey for children to visit Father Christmas and his Elves. The 30-minute experience is ticketed at £22.50 per child which include a small Lego gift, a Lindt Chocolate and photo opportunity. Tickets are free for accompanying adults. Available to book here.

Over at The Mezz, the area will be transformed into a cosy Alpine Lodge in collaboration with Grey Goose perfect for your Chrsitmas parties. Further festive programming at Winter Island includes Santa Paws dog show, wreath making workshop with Northern Lights, curated entertainment with DJs and live performances.

To book a table at Winter Island and find out more about what’s on, please visit www.escapetofreightisland.com/winter-island.

For Christmas bookings, larger parties, and private hire enquiries, please email christmas@freightisland.com. A sit-down Christmas menu is available for large booking of 20 people and more, £35 for a two-course meal and £40 for a three-course meal. Starters will be served family style, including Grilled Sourdough with Burnt Onion Butter, Chicken Liver and Brandy Parfait with Fig Jam, Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto and more. Mains options include Honey & Marmalade Glazed Ham, Roast Turkey Ham, Roast Topside of Highland Beef, and Wild Mushroom & Butternut Squash Wellington. Trimmings include Pigs In Blanket, Sage & Onion Sausage Meat Stuffing Wrapped In Bacon, Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes and more. For desserts, options include Plum & Apple Crumble, Christmas Pudding Ice Cream, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream.