Tender

Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

24 Dec 2025 at 08:36

Summary of the contracting process

Manchester City Council has initiated a tender process for the provision, installation, and operation of Christmas attractions in Albert Square, Manchester. This tender is part of the city's commitment to enhancing its cultural and event offerings. The project, categorized under services in the event and entertainment industry, aims to create a world-class festive destination from November 2026 onwards. The procurement follows an open procedure, encouraging wide participation, with an estimated contract value of £24,000,000 gross. Interested parties must submit their proposals by 13th February 2026. The contract period begins on 1st July 2026 and could extend to 30th June 2031 if renewal options are exercised. The procurement process is handled through the e-business portal known as the Chest.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specializing in event management, entertainment services, catering, security, and prefabricated structures. Companies with expertise in creating immersive public experiences and managing large-scale festive installations will find this project particularly appealing. The successful contractor will not only contribute to Manchester's vibrant seasonal celebrations but also gain visibility and prestige by showcasing their capabilities in a high-profile urban setting. Additionally, the tender emphasises creativity, sustainability, and community engagement, making it suitable for businesses committed to delivering innovative solutions with a focus on social value and zero carbon initiatives.

How relevant is this notice?

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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d-2025-12-24T08:36:31Z",
    "date": "2025-12-24T08:36:31Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PLNV-8798-LDMP",
            "name": "Manchester City Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PLNV-8798-LDMP"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Town Hall Extension",
                "locality": "Manchester",
                "postalCode": "M60 2LA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD33"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@manchester.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.manchester.gov.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PLNV-8798-LDMP",
        "name": "Manchester City Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "P-0934",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester",
        "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",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "45223800",
                        "description": "Assembly and erection of prefabricated structures"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "55520000",
                        "description": "Catering services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79710000",
                        "description": "Security services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79952000",
                        "description": "Event services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79953000",
                        "description": "Festival organisation services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79956000",
                        "description": "Fair and exhibition organisation services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "92300000",
                        "description": "Entertainment services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD33",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 24000000,
            "amount": 20000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "concession"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "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",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-13T11:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-23T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-19T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 24000000,
                    "amount": 20000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 45,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value and Zero Carbon",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 25,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "See tender documents"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "See tender documents"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "2 optional 12 months extensions"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "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.",
                "url": "www.the-chest.org.uk"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-2",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "url": "https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/AdvertSummary?projectId=d3b192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545&projectStepId=dbb192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545"
            },
            {
                "id": "086043-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-24T08:36:31Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}