The Manchester city centre Christmas Markets village they tried to stop, but couldn't

Manchester Cathedral has won the right to hold its own Christmas Markets village in the city centre this year for the first time. Organisers have gained approval for the event, despite initial objections from Manchester Council earlier this year.

The Cathedral will use its own land, just off Deansgate, to create the Christmas Cathedral Village with around 20 chalet stalls and two Bavarian beer halls. It will start initially from November 21, and then run right through to December 22.

And it will represent the true festive spirit - as every purchase made on the stalls there will see a percentage donated to the church's charity Volition which supports people back into employment across Greater Manchester.

READ MORE: Manchester Christmas Markets map and guide for 2024

The Cathedral Christmas Markets will run alongside the long-standing Manchester Christmas Markets, which spread across nine "zones" and include neighbouring sites at Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square. The main markets return daily from November 8 through to December 22 in the city centre.

The initial plan for the Cathedral's Christmas Market was thrown out by council planners earlier this year, citing public safety fears. But since then, Cathedral representatives and their market operators have worked with the council to allay all concerns and have secured the necessary Temporary Event Notice.

The first market traders will be open at the Cathedral Village site over the weekend of November 21 - 24. Then a full bar operation with the Bavarian beer hall will be open from November 28 - December 2 and then continue on for the following weekends, with more week days added up until December 22.

The Cathedral Christmas Markets will be open from 12noon to 10pm,