The Mancunian Way: Christmas? Not before an Indian Summer

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Christmas seems to get earlier every year - but I do think talking about it on September 15 could represent a new record. Nevertheless, the dates for Manchester's Christmas Markets have been confirmed, meaning we're on countdown to sausage and glühwein time.

And Mr Christmas himself, Councillor Pat Karney, is insisting we all mark November 10 on our calendars. "With the last rays of summer sun now fading fast, it's time to track down the tinsel and get ready for Manchester's favourite time of the year,” he says.

I’m sure it’ll be here before you know it, but in the meantime there is still some sunshine to be enjoyed as summer comes to a close. In fact, forecasters say an Indian summer could be on the horizon, arriving at the start of October.

Enjoy the decent weather while it lasts. I’ll just be over here clutching a pumpkin, a Nightmare on Elm Street box set and some marshmallows, waiting for Autumn to truly set in.

The colder months may be on the horizon, but enjoying a tropical paradise won’t be a problem by 2025, when Therme Manchester is due to arrive.

New designs for the vast wellness and water resort have been given the green light by Trafford Council, allowing construction work to finally begin at the £250m site.

As Dianne Bourne reports, new images have today been unveiled by bosses which show the huge scale of the scheme. It features a pavilion-style concept ‘immersed and enveloped in a natural landscape’.

The resort will aim to offer a ‘fun and relaxing day out’ and will feature large family and adults-only