Buyer Name: Manchester City Council
Buyer Address: Town Hall Extension, Manchester, UKD33, M60 2LA, United Kingdom
Contact Email: procurement@manchester.gov.uk
Buyer Name: Manchester City Council
Buyer Address: Town Hall Extension, Manchester, UKD33, M60 2LA, United Kingdom
Contact Email: procurement@manchester.gov.uk
Manchester's annual festive programme is one of the most celebrated in Europe, attracting millions of visitors and creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere across the city. As part of Manchester City Council's commitment to enhancing the city's cultural and event offering, we seek competent proposals for the delivery of Albert Square's Christmas attraction from 2026 onwards. Historically, Manchester's Christmas activities have included the award-winning Christmas Markets, an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, and a range of family-friendly installations. With the full reopening of Albert Square following Town Hall regeneration works, the Council aims to create a world-class festive destination that complements the existing city-wide offer and strengthens Manchester's reputation as a leading winter destination. The requirement is for a Christmas attraction in Albert Square, operating seven days a week during the festive period (November to early January), featuring the following core elements: An ice rink, managed and installed by the appointed operator, providing a safe and authentic skating experience for visitors. The proposal should include rink size, capacity, and associated facilities such as skate hire and changing areas. A varied food and beverage offering, aligned with the Manchester Christmas Markets ethos, catering for diverse tastes and dietary requirements while delivering a sense of place. Family-friendly festive attractions, which may include (but are not limited to) an ice bar, curling rink, ice sculptures, an observatory wheel, rides, funfair, or other creative installations that enhance the visitor experience and differentiate Albert Square from other UK festive destinations. Seasonal theming and dressing, including Christmas decorations, lighting features, projections, music, and branded signage to create a cohesive and welcoming environment. The successful operator will be responsible for full site management, including stewarding, first aid, staffing, security, emergency procedures, and compliance with all licensing and health and safety requirements. Marketing and promotion of the attraction will also form part of the operator's obligations, working in partnership with Manchester City Council to maximise visitor engagement. It is anticipated that to deliver these elements, the winning contractor will need to source equipment and collaborate with specialist providers where necessary. All proposals should demonstrate creativity, operational competence, and a commitment to sustainability, social value, and community engagement. The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity
No linked documents found for this notice.
External Link: www.the-chest.org.uk
Link Description: The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including procurement specific questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 16:00 on 13/02/2026 as referred to in the tender documentation. Any clarification queries must also be submitted via the Chest website by the date referred to in the tender documentation.
External Link: https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/AdvertSummary?projectId=d3b192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545&projectStepId=dbb192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545
External Link: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025
Link Description: Tender notice on Find a Tender
Lot 1 Status: active
Lot 1 Value: GBP 20,000,000
Lot 1 Value (Gross): GBP 24,000,000
Lot 1 Contract Start: 2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00
Lot 1 Contract End: 2029-06-30T23:59:59+01:00
Lot 1 Award Criterion (quality): Quality (45%)
Lot 1 Award Criterion (quality): Social Value and Zero Carbon (30%)
Lot 1 Award Criterion (price): Price (25%)
Document Description: Not published
Document Description: The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including procurement specific questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 16:00 on 13/02/2026 as referred to in the tender documentation. Any clarification queries must also be submitted via the Chest website by the date referred to in the tender documentation.
Document Description: Tender notice on Find a Tender
{
"buyer": {
"id": "GB-PPON-PLNV-8798-LDMP",
"name": "Manchester City Council"
},
"date": "2025-12-24T08:36:31Z",
"id": "086043-2025",
"initiationType": "tender",
"language": "en",
"ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fd0d",
"parties": [
{
"address": {
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom",
"locality": "Manchester",
"postalCode": "M60 2LA",
"region": "UKD33",
"streetAddress": "Town Hall Extension"
},
"contactPoint": {
"email": "procurement@manchester.gov.uk"
},
"details": {
"classifications": [
{
"description": "Public authority - sub-central government",
"id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
"scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE"
}
],
"url": "https://www.manchester.gov.uk/"
},
"id": "GB-PPON-PLNV-8798-LDMP",
"identifier": {
"id": "PLNV-8798-LDMP",
"scheme": "GB-PPON"
},
"name": "Manchester City Council",
"roles": [
"buyer"
]
}
],
"tag": [
"tender"
],
"tender": {
"aboveThreshold": true,
"awardPeriod": {
"endDate": "2026-06-19T23:59:59+01:00"
},
"coveredBy": [
"GPA"
],
"description": "Manchester\u0027s annual festive programme is one of the most celebrated in Europe, attracting millions of visitors and creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere across the city. As part of Manchester City Council\u0027s commitment to enhancing the city\u0027s cultural and event offering, we seek competent proposals for the delivery of Albert Square\u0027s Christmas attraction from 2026 onwards.\nHistorically, Manchester\u0027s Christmas activities have included the award-winning Christmas Markets, an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, and a range of family-friendly installations. With the full reopening of Albert Square following Town Hall regeneration works, the Council aims to create a world-class festive destination that complements the existing city-wide offer and strengthens Manchester\u0027s reputation as a leading winter destination.\nThe requirement is for a Christmas attraction in Albert Square, operating seven days a week during the festive period (November to early January), featuring the following core elements:\nAn ice rink, managed and installed by the appointed operator, providing a safe and authentic skating experience for visitors. The proposal should include rink size, capacity, and associated facilities such as skate hire and changing areas.\nA varied food and beverage offering, aligned with the Manchester Christmas Markets ethos, catering for diverse tastes and dietary requirements while delivering a sense of place.\nFamily-friendly festive attractions, which may include (but are not limited to) an ice bar, curling rink, ice sculptures, an observatory wheel, rides, funfair, or other creative installations that enhance the visitor experience and differentiate Albert Square from other UK festive destinations.\nSeasonal theming and dressing, including Christmas decorations, lighting features, projections, music, and branded signage to create a cohesive and welcoming environment.\nThe successful operator will be responsible for full site management, including stewarding, first aid, staffing, security, emergency procedures, and compliance with all licensing and health and safety requirements. Marketing and promotion of the attraction will also form part of the operator\u0027s obligations, working in partnership with Manchester City Council to maximise visitor engagement.\nIt is anticipated that to deliver these elements, the winning contractor will need to source equipment and collaborate with specialist providers where necessary. All proposals should demonstrate creativity, operational competence, and a commitment to sustainability, social value, and community engagement.\nThe Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity",
"documents": [
{
"description": "Not published",
"documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
"id": "conflictOfInterest"
},
{
"description": "The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity. Applicants will need to electronically submit their completed tender documents, including procurement specific questionnaire, via the on-line portal by 16:00 on 13/02/2026 as referred to in the tender documentation. Any clarification queries must also be submitted via the Chest website by the date referred to in the tender documentation.",
"documentType": "biddingDocuments",
"id": "L-1",
"url": "www.the-chest.org.uk"
},
{
"documentType": "biddingDocuments",
"id": "L-2",
"url": "https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/AdvertSummary?projectId=d3b192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545\u0026projectStepId=dbb192cc-a3ca-f011-813a-005056b64545"
},
{
"datePublished": "2025-12-24T08:36:31Z",
"description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
"documentType": "tenderNotice",
"format": "text/html",
"id": "086043-2025",
"noticeType": "UK4",
"url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086043-2025"
}
],
"enquiryPeriod": {
"endDate": "2026-01-23T23:59:59Z"
},
"id": "P-0934",
"items": [
{
"additionalClassifications": [
{
"description": "Assembly and erection of prefabricated structures",
"id": "45223800",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Catering services",
"id": "55520000",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Security services",
"id": "79710000",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Event services",
"id": "79952000",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Festival organisation services",
"id": "79953000",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Fair and exhibition organisation services",
"id": "79956000",
"scheme": "CPV"
},
{
"description": "Entertainment services",
"id": "92300000",
"scheme": "CPV"
}
],
"deliveryAddresses": [
{
"country": "GB",
"countryName": "United Kingdom",
"region": "UKD33"
}
],
"id": "1",
"relatedLot": "1"
}
],
"legalBasis": {
"id": "2023/54",
"scheme": "UKPGA",
"uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
},
"lots": [
{
"awardCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"name": "Quality",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 45,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
],
"type": "quality"
},
{
"name": "Social Value and Zero Carbon",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 30,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
],
"type": "quality"
},
{
"name": "Price",
"numbers": [
{
"number": 25,
"weight": "percentageExact"
}
],
"type": "price"
}
]
},
"contractPeriod": {
"endDate": "2029-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
"maxExtentDate": "2031-06-30T23:59:59+01:00",
"startDate": "2026-07-01T00:00:00+01:00"
},
"hasRenewal": true,
"id": "1",
"renewal": {
"description": "2 optional 12 months extensions"
},
"selectionCriteria": {
"criteria": [
{
"description": "See tender documents",
"type": "economic"
},
{
"description": "See tender documents",
"type": "technical"
}
]
},
"status": "active",
"value": {
"amount": 20000000,
"amountGross": 24000000,
"currency": "GBP"
}
}
],
"mainProcurementCategory": "services",
"procurementMethod": "open",
"procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
"specialRegime": [
"concession"
],
"status": "active",
"submissionMethodDetails": "The Council is using the e-business portal known as the Chest. Applicants will need to register their details at the following link www.the-chest.org.uk . Once registered, applicants will be emailed a log-in and password which will allow them to gain access to the documentation relating to this opportunity",
"submissionTerms": {
"electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
"languages": [
"en"
]
},
"tenderPeriod": {
"endDate": "2026-02-13T11:00:00Z"
},
"title": "Provision, Installation and Operation of Christmas Attractions in Albert Square Manchester",
"value": {
"amount": 20000000,
"amountGross": 24000000,
"currency": "GBP"
}
}
}