
MediaCityUK announces a full festive season of spectacle!
MediaCityUK is set to launch on season festive fun on Friday, 15th November with a festive light switch-on event, marking the beginning of a season of family festive attractions including the opening of the ice rink and popular annual Quays Culture Lightwaves festival.

The MediaCityUK Christmas markets will appeal to families, with plenty of room to walk around with pushchairs and little ones. There will be an array of food and drink options, from bratwurst to traditional Glühwein and hot chocolate as well as stalls selling stocking fillers.
The Lowry will host a range of festive theatre shows including Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical starring Griff Rhys Jones and X Factor’s Matt Terry, new smash hit musical SIX as well as the popular adaption of children’s book, The Gruffalo’s Child. The theme continues at The Lowry Outlet with a Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! inspired Maker’s Market.
Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with The Lowry, Lowry Outlet and Quays Culture to programme a fantastic festive experience. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide and with so many attractions from eating, drinking and browsing at our largest ever Christmas market to watching a show and even ice-skating – there really is something for everyone this Christmas at MediaCityUK”.
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor said: “It is fantastic to see MediaCityUK continuing to showcase our Salford community this Christmas. From the must-see Christmas shows at The Lowry – our cultural heart of Salford, the dazzling digital installations which will be on display at Lightwaves to our local businesses trading at the MediaCityUK Christmas markets. Salford is the place to be this Christmas.”
The full MediaCityUK festive events schedule will include:
Friday, 15th November
MediaCityUK Christmas Lights Switch on event 5pm – 7pm
With special performances and a celebrity host, the launch of the MediaCityUK Christmas Markets will be a special night to celebrate with friends, family and colleagues. Full announcement and line up coming soon.
From 15th November – 22nd December
MediaCityUK Christmas Markets 11am – 9pm every day
Pagodas, with an illuminated star installed in the roof will line and light the MediaCityUK piazza. Enjoy browsing food stalls and beautiful and bespoke stocking fillers. Pick up a Bavarian beer or a glass of prosecco and listen to one of the many live performances. Or enjoy a Christmas themed cocktail or a mug of traditional Glühwein in the fully weather-proof seating area.
From 15th November – 5th January
MediaCityUK Ice Rink 11am – 9pm every day
Open to children and adults, with the option to private hire and available for school trips. There will also be a viewing area and bar selling soft drinks, hot chocolate, wine and beer.
Throughout the Christmas season Dockyard’s outdoor bar – The Lodge will be open for seasonal treats and look out for exclusive discounts at MediaCityUK’s on-site bars and restaurants.
From 21st November – 22nd December
The Lowry Outlet’s Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas inspired Makers Market
Step inside the Whoville themed Christmas Makers markets inspired by Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Located on The Lowry Outlet plaza for five weekends, be immersed in the village of Whoville as you browse the Maker’s Market stalls where you can pick up unique Christmas gifts, try tasty treats and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
From 21st November enjoy late night shopping until 8pm Monday – Friday within The Lowry Outlet
From 3rd December – 11th January
Christmas shows at The Lowry
The Lowry will host four shows this Christmas. In the Lyric Theatre enjoy the Broadway sensation Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical starring Griff Rhys Jones and X Factor’s Matt Terry. Meanwhile, in the Quays Theatre the six wives of Henry VIII take to the stage with new smash hit musical SIX and little ones can enjoy The Gruffalo’s Child. And in The Aldridge Studio, Colour The Clouds theatre company present Snowbabies.
SIX 3rd December – 11th January
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical 10th December – 5th January
The Gruffalo’s Child 6th December – 12th January
Snowbabies 17th – 24th December
From 6 – 15th December
Quays Culture presents Lightwaves
Lightwaves is a free interactive light festival, transforming public spaces for 10 days each year as playful light experiences span across Salford Quays and MediaCityUK. The annual festival showcases inspiring digital light art from local and international artists. Visitors are invited to download the free festival app to navigate the trail via an interactive map. Highlights include an exclusive world premiere and the world-famous interactive illuminating seesaws Wave-Field created by Lateral Office and CS Design, with soundscape by Mitchell Akiyama.
For media and press enquires please email: emma.green@mediacityuk.co.uk
For trading enquires please email: arnd@ace-event-solutions.co.uk
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