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Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester

Descriptions

Manchester's annual festive programme is one of the most celebrated in Europe, attracting millions of visitors and creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere across the city. As part of Manchester City Council's commitment to enhancing the city's cultural and event offering, we seek competent proposals for the delivery of Albert Square's Christmas attraction from 2026 onwards.

 

Historically, Manchester's Christmas activities have included the award-winning Christmas Markets, an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, and a range of family-friendly installations. With the full reopening of Albert Square following Town Hall regeneration works, the Council aims to create a world-class festive destination that complements the existing city-wide offer and strengthens Manchester's reputation as a leading winter destination.

 

The requirement is for a Christmas attraction in Albert Square, operating seven days a week during the festive period (November to early January), featuring the following core elements:

 

An ice rink, managed and installed by the appointed operator, providing a safe and authentic skating experience for visitors. The proposal should include rink size, capacity, and associated facilities such as skate hire and changing areas.

 

A varied food and beverage offering, aligned with the Manchester Christmas Markets ethos, catering for diverse tastes and dietary requirements while delivering a sense of place.

 

Family-friendly festive attractions, which may include (but are not limited to) an ice bar, curling rink, ice sculptures, an observatory wheel, rides, funfair, or other creative installations that enhance the visitor experience and differentiate Albert Square from other UK festive destinations.

 

Seasonal theming and dressing, including Christmas decorations, lighting features, projections, music, and branded signage to create a cohesive and welcoming environment.

 

The successful operator will be responsible for full site management, including stewarding, first aid, staffing, security, emergency procedures, and compliance with all licensing and health and safety requirements. Marketing and promotion of the attraction will also form part of the operator's obligations, working in partnership with Manchester City Council to maximise visitor engagement.

 

It is anticipated that to deliver these elements, the winning contractor will need to source equipment and collaborate with specialist providers where necessary. All proposals should demonstrate creativity, operational competence, and a commitment to sustainability, social value, and community engagement.

 

The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity

Timeline

Published Date :

24th Dec 2025 20 days ago

Deadline :

13th Feb 2026 in a 1 month

Contract Start :

30th Jun 2026

Contract End :

30th Jun 2029

Tender Regions

Keywords

mobile patrol

asset security

event production

event management

static guarding

expo logistics

event hosting

cultural shows

event staging

booth management

event logistics

event services

celebration management

festival organisation

urban festival staging

exhibition design setup

exposition management

corporate security

offsite meal preparation

convention services

trade show services

event catering provision

exhibitor support

catering staff service

festival event staffing

property protection

street festival planning

premises security

infrastructure security

exhibition coordination

festival planning

modular unit assembly

flexible menu services

guarding services

security services

trade fair planning

group dining setup

food service logistics

live event planning

customized meal delivery

conference events

community festival logistics

performance arts services

corporate event coordination

pre-built framework erection

prefabricated building works

panel assembly construction

celebratory festival setup

contracted catering operations

modular design installation

professional food service

live entertainment provision

cultural festival coordination

industrial prefab construction

prefabricated component installation

festival production services

special event organisation

prefab structure assembly

music festival management

fair and exhibition organisation

modular building erection

food presentation solutions

outdoor festival services

theatrical and musical event operations

security officer deployment

public entertainment management

structural component assembly

Tender Lot Details & Award Criteria

1 Tender Lots

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Workflows

Status :

Open

Procedure :

N/A

Suitable for SME :

N/A

Nationwide :

No

Assign to :

Tender Progress :

0%

Details

Notice Type :

Tender

Tender Identifier :

IT-378-246-T: 2024 - 001

Tenderbase ID :

310724019

Low Value :

£100K

High Value :

£1000K

Buyer Information

Address :

Liverpool Merseyside , Merseyside , L13 0BQ

Website :

N/A

Procurement Contact

Name :

Tina Smith

Phone :

0151 252 3243

Email :

tina.smith@shared-ed.ac.uk