People on the street: Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester’s Christmas markets open this Friday, but is that too early and are the people of Manchester actually looking forward to them?

Transcript

00:00Hi, I'm Theo with Manchester World. Today I'm out on the streets of Manchester asking people about the Christmas markets.

00:05They open this Friday and for locals, they can sometimes be a bit more of a burden than a joy.

00:10However, it does bring a lot of tourists, a lot of visitors to the city, which naturally helps its economy.

00:15So we want to know if the people out on the streets of Manchester today, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

00:20I think that just in general, the Christmas market, it brings people together no matter what ethnicity, religion.

00:27Everyone still enjoys it. It's a nice and vibey thing. I think it's a good thing that takes place every year.

00:33It's something you get used to after a while. I've been living in Manchester for three years now.

00:39You just get used to it after a while of it being a convenience.

00:43I see it as a good thing. It does get really busy though, but it's nice to have that upbringing thing towards Christmas.

00:51I haven't gone last year, but I'm going to go this year. I'll try and go this year.

00:54I won't go out of my way to go and get it. I think they're a bit expensive. They have money and stuff, but I just think the price is ridiculous.

00:59If you ask me, do you know what I mean? That's an honest opinion.

01:02I used to live in Bath though for uni, and there's a market there every year.

01:07It was a bit of a headache trying to get anywhere because obviously the streets are locked off.

01:10But I see the point. It's cute. People like doing them, whatever.

01:13But yeah, I think when you're a student, it can be quite inconvenient, especially trying to get to work when the streets are locked off.

01:20Yeah, that's a bit early for me now.

01:23We're still on Halloween spirit, aren't we?

01:25I'd say about November. It's November, but it's not too far away. It's only two months.

01:32It's a little early.

01:33That's way too early, man. Way too early.

01:35I think start of December, like all the Christmas celebrations.

01:38Speaking of November, I think that's acceptable. Anything before that is a bit excessive.

01:42I think 24th December, one good day. That's it.

01:46I think you're still getting people in the spirit, so that is kind of good, isn't it?

01:50I don't celebrate, but I'm in the spirit myself. You hear me?

01:53I think it's exciting. I like it. I think it's nice. Make the most of it.

01:58Christmas is a short period anyways, isn't it?