Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
The Festival of Angels
Sat 11 & Sun 12 December
They say: “The annual free festival where ice sculptures line the old streets in The Quarter area of York. With guaranteed snow, street entertainment, festive music, food and drink! Fully accessible, with food & drink, boutique shops and good cheer for all. The Quarter is a patchwork of old Medieval streets including; Grape Lane, Swinegate, Back Swinegate and Little Stonegate.”
We say: “A brilliant chance to gawp at the intricate ice sculptures whilst secretly hoping a small child will knock one over. And it’s free!”
Our rating: ****
Ice Factor Ice Rink
Sat 20 November - Sun 09 January – York Designer Outlet
They say: “Conveniently located on the A64/A19 interchange, The Ice Factor is better than ever with a 50% bigger outdoor rink, over 300 pairs of new skates and a bigger skate hire marquee for more customer comfort. The ice rink will be turned into a Winter Wonderland village square, surrounded by log cabins, an illuminated forest with reindeer, and a giant Christmas tree in the centre of the rink.”
We say: “Despite the terrible pun on the name and the location (only “convenient” if you happen to own a car), the ice rink has all the fun of watching your friends fall over as well as also containing a bar. As if it wasn’t hard enough to stand up on anyway.”
Our rating: *****
International Christmas Fayre
1 - 19 December – Parliament Street
They say: “The Fayre has a stylish, modern flavour which brings with it a sweep of global Christmas traditions and stalls decked out in seasonal livery, backed with gentle festive music.”
We say: “A delicious but extortionate rip-off in which a gentleman clearly hailing from Yorkshire gives you a tiny plate of “Danish” pancakes for £3. Whilst the goulash does ominously say it contains “meat and beef”, boy does it taste good.”
Our rating: ***
What the Dickens?
16 & 17 December - York Mansion House 7.30pm, £12. Includes a mince pie and a mulled wine.
They say: “Gather in the glorious setting of the state room to hear about the life of the great novelist, together with songs from musicals based on his stories, all presented by York Musical Theatre Company. This intimate evening revives a long tradition of Christmas entertainment in the Mansion House by this company, which was founded in 1902. Just the thing to get you in the festive spirit!”
We say: “Dickens would be rolling smugly in his grave if he knew that you can get people to pay twelve whole pounds to go and hear about his life. For £12 you’d better be getting a whole box of mince pies and a barrel of mulled wine.”
Our rating: **
Barley Hall
01 December - 03 January
10am–3pm, Barley Hall, normal admission prices apply
They say: “Visit Barley Hall during the festive season and see the house beautifully decorated to celebrate a medieval Christmas.”
We say: “Visit Barley Hall during the festive season and see the house beautifully decorated with old bones and bear skins and pretend you’re a warrior drinking mead. Sadly no busty wenches.”
Our rating: ***
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