Notice Information
Notice Title
Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester
Notice Description
Manchester's annual festive programme is one of the most celebrated in Europe, attracting millions of visitors and creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere across the city. As part of Manchester City Council's commitment to enhancing the city's cultural and event offering, we seek competent proposals for the delivery of Albert Square's Christmas attraction from 2026 onwards. Historically, Manchester's Christmas activities have included the award-winning Christmas Markets, an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, and a range of family-friendly installations. With the full reopening of Albert Square following Town Hall regeneration works, the Council aims to create a world-class festive destination that complements the existing city-wide offer and strengthens Manchester's reputation as a leading winter destination. The requirement is for a Christmas attraction in Albert Square, operating seven days a week during the festive period (November to early January), featuring the following core elements: An ice rink, managed and installed by the appointed operator, providing a safe and authentic skating experience for visitors. The proposal should include rink size, capacity, and associated facilities such as skate hire and changing areas. A varied food and beverage offering, aligned with the Manchester Christmas Markets ethos, catering for diverse tastes and dietary requirements while delivering a sense of place. Family-friendly festive attractions, which may include (but are not limited to) an ice bar, curling rink, ice sculptures, an observatory wheel, rides, funfair, or other creative installations that enhance the visitor experience and differentiate Albert Square from other UK festive destinations. Seasonal theming and dressing, including Christmas decorations, lighting features, projections, music, and branded signage to create a cohesive and welcoming environment. The successful operator will be responsible for full site management, including stewarding, first aid, staffing, security, emergency procedures, and compliance with all licensing and health and safety requirements. Marketing and promotion of the attraction will also form part of the operator's obligations, working in partnership with Manchester City Council to maximise visitor engagement. It is anticipated that to deliver these elements, the winning contractor will need to source equipment and collaborate with specialist providers where necessary. All proposals should demonstrate creativity, operational competence, and a commitment to sustainability, social value, and community engagement. The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025
- Current Stage
- Tender
- All Stages
- Tender
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK4 - Tender Notice
- Procurement Type
- Standard
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Open
- Procurement Method Details
- Open procedure
- Tender Suitability
- Not specified
- Awardee Scale
- Not specified
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
45 - Construction work
55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services
79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services
-
- CPV Codes
45223800 - Assembly and erection of prefabricated structures
55520000 - Catering services
79710000 - Security services
79952000 - Event services
79953000 - Festival organisation services
79956000 - Fair and exhibition organisation services
92300000 - Entertainment services
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- £20,000,000 £10M-£100M
- Lots Value
- £20,000,000 £10M-£100M
- Awards Value
- Not specified
- Contracts Value
- Not specified
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 24 Dec 20255 days ago
- Submission Deadline
- 13 Feb 20262 months to go
- Future Notice Date
- Not specified
- Award Date
- Not specified
- Contract Period
- 30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2029 3-4 years
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Active
- Lots Status
- Active
- Awards Status
- Not Specified
- Contracts Status
- Not Specified
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL
- Contact Name
- Not specified
- Contact Email
- procurement@manchester.gov.uk
- Contact Phone
- Not specified
Buyer Location
- Locality
- MANCHESTER
- Postcode
- M60 2LA
- Post Town
- Manchester
- Country
- England
-
- Major Region (ITL 1)
- TLD North West (England)
- Basic Region (ITL 2)
- TLD3 Greater Manchester
- Small Region (ITL 3)
- TLD33 Manchester
- Delivery Location
- TLD33 Manchester
-
- Local Authority
- Manchester
- Electoral Ward
- Piccadilly
- Westminster Constituency
- Manchester Central
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025
24th December 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender -
www.the-chest.org.uk
The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including procurement specific questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 16:00 on 13/02/2026 as referred to in the tender documentation. Any clarification queries must also be submitted via the Chest website by the date referred to in the tender documentation.
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.
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