People explain images of deserted streets and empty bars on quiet Mad Friday

Usually, the last few days before Christmas are a scene of chaos in Manchester city centre as shoppers rush to grab last minute gifts - or enjoy staff parties or a night out with mates. The last Friday before Christmas is particularly manic - Mad Friday.

But this year, it's all been a bit quiet. When the M.E.N. visited the markets to speak to traders about how they had fared this year, the feedback was rather bleak. Stall owners described 2024's festive season in town as the 'worst one ever'.

At the start of this year, Manchester made international headlines when it was voted as the eighth best city in the world for nightlife. But last night, when the Manchester Evening News ventured into city centre, we were met with deserted streets and empty bars - a far cry from the vibrant, bustling and electric atmosphere we were expecting this Mad Friday.

To put it simply, town was dead. And M.E.N. readers think they know why. Linzi Percival said: "Too expensive to go to town! You need a second mortgage these days!"

Kayla Lisa Docs added on Facebook: "Everyone is skint due to crazy prices cheaper to stay at home nice and warm with Alexa." Pete Lewis posted: "Christmas is family time. Why go out into town? Spend it at home with your loved ones. A Bottle of Bacardi and 2 bottles of wine will cost you less than £25. A load of sweets and nibbles £20. Family, Family, Family. Happy Days."

Gary M King pointed to high rents: "There are 10s of 1000s of people living in Manchester city centre, compared to the 90s. Yet the pubs and bars are empty. I guess forking out £1500.00 a month for a shoebox bedsit means you can't afford to go out and actually enjoy the city centre. Ironic."

Samantha Jackson said: "The lack of reliable trains means