Best Christmas do ever? Boss books out Manchester's busiest bar and gives away £20k of prizes to employees

A Bolton business owner pulled out all the stops for his employees' festive knees up - in what is being hailed the "best work Christmas do ever". Office staff from electrics giant AO were treated to an all-expenses paid night at one of Manchester's biggest bars - where they were stunned with a surprise performance from Rick Astley.

And AO boss John Roberts didn't stop there with the surprises - as he also dished out prizes totalling £20,000 to loyal staff members in a special on-stage raffle during the event.

The company founder splashed the cash to book out Albert's Schloss on Peter Street in the city centre for his work office party at the weekend. It's the first time EVER that Schloss, one of the city's busiest bars, has allowed its Peter Street venue to be taken over in December for a private event.

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Employees were able to feast on free food and drink all night with live DJs and cabaret performers at the award-winning venue with no expense spared - before a number of lucky staff members hit the jackpot on a big money prize raffle announced by the boss.

Videos of the moment Rick Astley took to the stage have already gone viral on social media by stunned employees - where comments have included the likes of: "I have never been so jealous of someone's work do oh my."

Danielle Sumner posted her video with the caption: "POV the company you work for hires out Albert's Schloss for the Christmas party and then bring Rick Astley out".

People were left stunned on TikTok with replies to Danielle including: "Any jobs going?" and "Quitting and starting here" after sharing her video from the big bash.

Winners at the Christmas party included Nicole Swinhoe,