The Frost Fair at The Whitworth

The Frost Fair returns as The Whitworth and its Art Garden will be transformed for one weekend only.

First taking place in 2016, themed to the concept of “Hygge”, this year’s Frost Fair theme is set to celebrate 250 years of the circus in Britain with a fiery finale and firework display on Sunday from Manchester’s mighty Walk The Plank.

The programme for this two -day free “celebration of winter, art and togetherness” is a corker. Ringmaster Baron Bazaar will be the linchpin to carnivalesque capers galore. Manchester’s Travelling Light Circus provide fire and light routines to wow all ages. Join The Circus House to learn circus skills (special baby workshops included), and be in awe of their trapeze and stilt performances.

Tunes to get you moving are provided by brass ravers Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Manchester vocalist Jenna G plus DJ sets from Matthew Halsall and more.

Get your craft fix in family floristry workshops, crafty circus activities and in creating a piece of art for BBC 6 Music’s Art is Everywhere.  Sit back, relax and watch the Cirque Du Soleil film Worlds Away at the outdoor cinema.

A craft market featuring local makers Jo Lavelle Jewellery, The Chorlton Potter, The Glass Gardener and Plant Shop Manchester provides an alternative festive shopping experience, while street food and bar from The Ottomen, Proove, Squawk Brewing Company and more, will warm your cockles.

Let’s face it, at this time of year kids’ and grown up versions of “magical events” can be quite (ahem) different but we love that The Frost Fair sounds like once again it really is going to provide an enchanting winter escapade for all.