---
title: "Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL"
published: "2025-12-24"
---

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

Buyer: MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 24 Dec 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £20,000,000 |
| Lots value | £20,000,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Active |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL |
| Locality | MANCHESTER |
| Post town | Manchester |
| Postcode | M60 2LA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLD3 Greater Manchester |
| ITL 3 | TLD33 Manchester |
| Local authority | Manchester |
| Electoral ward | Piccadilly |
| Westminster constituency | Manchester Central |
| Delivery location | TLD33 Manchester |

## CPV Codes

### 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

### 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

## Release History

- 24 Dec 2025 at 08:36 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025

## 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.
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/AdvertSummary?projectId=d3b192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545&projectStepId=dbb192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.manchester.gov.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d.json.