Warning over road closures for big Christmas Lights turn-on

SOME 15,000 people are expected to flood into Manchester city centre for this afternoon’s (Friday November 4) annual Christmas Lights switch-on.

The party on Albert Square officially launches six weeks of festive celebration and attractions in the city.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council are coordinating transport in and out of the city centre.

People travelling around Manchester city centre at the time are advised to plan ahead and give themselves plenty of time.

Buses, trams and trains are expected to be busier than usual in the afternoon and into the evening, and additional services will be running to cater for demand.

People planning to travel to Albert Square by Metrolink can use the recently transformed and re-opened St Peter’s Square stop, which is only a short walk from Albert Square.

A number of road closures will be required for the event, coming into effect from 3.45pm until 10pm, which will lead to some bus diversions:  Albert Square; Mount Street; John Dalton Street; Princess Street (between Cross Street and Portland Street); Cross Street and King Street.

John Fryer, TfGM’s events and operational co-ordinations manager, said: “Following the success of the Athletes’ Parade, Manchester is once again hosting another big event in the city centre. We want everyone coming into the region to have a memorable time.

“We’ve been working closely with travel operators to plan for the event as services will be busier than usual. Our advice is for people to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time, especially when it comes to getting home.”

The star of hit comedy drama Cold Feet John Thomson and X-Factor winner Louisa Johnson are to headline at the event.

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