Warden retained for 2026 Manchester Christmas Markets

The Preston-based contractor has been selected to deliver the infrastructure for the city’s festive markets, including more than 270 stalls selling sausages, scented candles, and plenty more in between.

Warden has delivered the markets infrastructure since 2023 on an ad hoc basis but has now been appointed to set up, maintain, and disassemble Manchester’s Christmas Markets through to 2028 via the North West Construction Hub.

Last year, the contractor committed more than 2,600 hours to site management and supervision alone, according to Warden.

The markets will be spread across eight city centre locations and, in recent days, Manchester has been applying to itself for planning permission to install wooden structures across locations including St Ann’s Square, Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, and Lincoln Square.

The markets will run from 6 November to 22 December except at Cathedral Gardens and Albert Square, where they will remain in-situ until 3 January.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “The Christmas Markets are an important part of Manchester’s calendar, and being selected for the next three years means a great deal to our team. Our people take pride in helping prepare the city for the traders and visitors who make the event what it is.

“We aim to be a true partner to our clients on every project, contributing our expertise from the outset and responding when plans need to change. That approach has underpinned our relationship with the market organisers, and we are pleased to build on the experience as we begin preparations for this year, and the ones that follow.”