Christmas Markets take tourism award

The Christmas Markets have been named 'Tourism Retailer of the Year' at the Manchester Tourism Awards.

The ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel on 27 May and compered by comedian and actor John Thomson. It was organised by Marketing Manchester.

The Christmas Markets were described as a 'great seasonal asset' with 'national appeal'. It's hard to imagine the city centre at Christmas time before this pop-up village of festive treats arrived. Although the idea of a Christmas Market is hardly new any more – they can be found every other town and city nowadays – Manchester's is undoubtedly one of the most impressive. It's the size of them, the atmosphere they bring to the city centre, and the way they've become an annual ritual for many workers and residents, as well as tourists.

Manchester City Council, who run the Christmas Markets, came away with three other awards on the night – one for Heaton Park which was voted the ‘People’s Choice’ by listeners of BBC Radio Manchester, and two for Manchester Art Gallery. This won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Tourism Experience of the Year for the Angels of Anarchy exhibition.

Here's the full list of winners:

Access for all Award: Chill Factore

The BBC Radio Manchester ‘People’s Choice’ Award: Heaton Park