Situated just behind Exchange Square and across the road from The Print Works and The Arndale Centre, Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens is now home to Britain’s first ever Ice Village. With a fenced off area with a couple of food and drink chalets,Santa’s Grotto, and a Woodland Market – and of course the main Ice Cavern – that you need a special ticket to access, it is the latest addition to Manchester’s Christmas markets that seem to grow bigger and bigger every year!

After a press reception and a special opening from Manchester star Les Dennis, we were treated to a mulled wine or ‘spiked hot chocolate’ (dubious name, but think it translates to a hot chocolate with whisky inside and cream on top!) and some festive mince pies and pastries, before being allowed a first look into the not yet opened Ice Cavern.

The main event is without a doubt the Ice Cavern, which is a walk through grotto filled with fairy lights and Christmas trees, and, well, of course, ice sculptures! A team of the world’s best ice artists began work in July to carve hundreds of intricate ice sculptures from more than 250 tonnes of solid ice. You can expect to see your usual festive icons such as Santa and Rudolph, but also a nod to Manchester’s local history with a quiz to spot 10 different references within the grotto.

At the end of the Ice Cavern is the Ice Bar: with frozen barrels and fixtures, it’s a chilled spot for cocktails, hot toddies, hot chocolate, and other festive drinks. And of course, a fabulous photo opportunity where you are able to sit on an ice thrown and pretend to be queen of the castle – my favourite!

Outside from the Ice Cavern, Manchester’s Ice Village is also home to Santa’s Grotto (well of course!) and an outside ice rink which is beautifully lit with sparkling fairy lights and a viewing platform for those (like me) who aren’t brave enough to pop their skates on. It was the perfect way to kick off the festive season!