The premiere of Manchester’s Christmas animation is fast becoming the true beginning of the festive season. 

Past films have tugged and strained at the city’s heart strings, giving the big names at John Lewis and Marks and Spencer’s a run for their money. 
This year is an equally tear jerking, following the heart-felt journey of a young girl whose only Christmas wish is to find new friends, who will welcome her with open arms. 

The animation introduces us to Maya who is new to the city, penning a letter to Santa asking for help. The letter magically shoots up the chimney and begins a journey through the city – Maya in frantic pursuit bumping in to a host people – taking in the Christmas Markets, the Ice Rink and Ice Cavern in Cathedral Gardens, before landing in Santa’s hands. 

Santa inspects the letter and gestures to a crowd forming behind Maya. To her surprise she sees all of the people she bumped into on her journey and now they are asking her to join them. Santa’s work is done and he throws the letter up to the sky.
Ultimately, the film carries a message of love and friendship during the Christmas season. 

Manchester’s Christmas film was created collaboratively by Manchester City Council’s communications team, M–Four Design Studio and Flow Creative. 
Look out for the premiere on Manchester City Council’s social media:

www.facebook.com/mancitycouncil
www.twitter.com/ManCityCouncil

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “We know people now wait to see our Christmas animation every year. It’s become a brilliant tradition and it means the festive season can officially begin in Manchester. 
“The year’s film will tug at your heart strings, much in the way our previous animations have. 
“We can’t wait for you to see the video. We’ll know you’ll love it.” Karl Doran, Creative Director, Flow Creative, said:  “The whole team was really excited to have the opportunity to create such an iconic film for the city of Manchester.    “We developed a narrative that epitomises Manchester’s welcoming and inclusive nature, that felt contemporary but infused with Christmas magic. The look and feel, based on traditional Scandinavian folk art, was adapted from MFour’s campaign artwork, and is a fresh approach for this year’s commercial. We collaborated with sound design studio Gas Music, who created a bespoke music track and sound effects to really bring the story to life.   “We’re really pleased with the result and are looking forward to seeing it on screens all over Manchester this Christmas.”

www.manchester.gov.uk/christmas

LISTING INFORMATION Manchester Christmas Markets
Friday 8 November – Saturday 21 December
ALBERT SQUARE
Albert Square (Open until Sunday 22 December until 4pm)
10.00am – 9.00pm daily

ALL OTHER MARKET SITES 
(St Ann’s Square; King Street; Exchange Street; Exchange Square; New Cathedral Street; the Corn Exchange; and  Market Street)
In November 10.00am – 8.00pm   November 14th we will open until 10pm for the light switch on
In December 10.00am – 8.00pm
ALL BAR AND FOOD AREAS OPEN UNTIL 9.00pm

CATHEDRAL GARDENS 
Ice Village – open from Friday 8 Nov through until Tuesday 31 December
http://www.icevillage.co.uk  
Skate Manchester Ice Rink – open from Friday 8 Nov until Monday 5 January
http://www.skatemanchester.com     Santa’s Grotto – open 20 November until Tuesday 24 December (please note the Grotto is not open Mondays and Tuesdays.)
http://www.icevillage.co.uk/santas-grotto