PERFECT STORM OF COST OF LIVING AND BAD WEATHER HAS IMPACT ON MARKETS

CHRISTMAS is still a few days away, but for some in Manchester city centre things are already drawing to a close.

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Since opening in 1998, Manchester Christmas markets have grown into a six-week spectacular, and the cornerstone of the Greater Manchester's festive calendar. And 2024 was a bigger year than usual, with seven weekends of festive fun rather than the usual six.

But on a Friday afternoon with less than a week to go until the big day, town is busy but manageable. It is a far cry, stallholders say, from the heaving crowds experienced in previous years.

Bad weather, train strikes and the soaring coast of living have punters less keen to part with their Christmas kitty, they told the M.E.N.

The 2024 iteration markets pull down their shutters for the final time on Sunday, and some business owners have been frank in their assessment of the season.

"It's been s***" said Zoe, from the popular Witch House which moved to New Cathedral Street this season.

"I'd say this has been the worst one.

"We usually have a lot of staff around this time, it's usually go, go, go. But not this year. I don't know if it'll improve, but hopefully things next year when we go back into St Lisa Anne's Square and the town hall opens things will pick up then.