Preview: The Frost Fair

With only five weeks left to do your last-minute shopping, visit the Manchester Christmas Markets, and get yourselves home for holidays, it is time to get festive. Well, the University of Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery have it covered.

This December, the Whitworth will become a Scandinavian wonderland for just one exclusive weekend, hosting a plethora of free events.The inspiration behind this exciting event has come from the Danish word ‘Hygge’. It means tradition, cosiness and warmth, as well as surrounding yourself with friends and family.

The Whitworth said: “The Frost Fair promotes art and togetherness, encouraging gallery visitors, the local community, and members of the whole family to come together and enjoy winter at the Whitworth.”

At the most wonderful time of the year, how better to celebrate with your loved ones than ice-skating. That’s right, an environmentally sustainable ice rink will be just one of the free activities available in this two-day shindig.

Short films, including images of the infamous Northern Lights, will be screened on an outdoor cinema in the Art Garden. There will be mulled wine, hot chocolate, craft ales, international street food, and even live music just to keep that festive magic in the air.

Walk The Plank, arguably the UK’s most outstanding outdoor arts companies, will also be performing an array of theatre forms in their performance of ‘The Ice Queen & Ice Queen’s Courtyard’. Taking place on the Sculpture Terrace, the display will involve puppetry and light displays. A play on the anonymity of ice and fire, this is sure to be an exciting performance from the ever-innovative theatre company.

Finally, on Sunday evening, there will be a spectacular fire and fireworks show to bring this ultimate Christmas weekend to a close.

So, I think we can give Santa Claus a rest this year — the Whitworth have it sorted.

The Frost Fair: 3 – 4 December 2016, 11am – 7pm