We arrived in the City centre by the special "Witchway double decker bus from Rawtenstall (executive style seats!) A nice ride and then a short walk to where the Market began. Despite the fact we had had an early breakfast we were immediately driven mad with hunger as the lingering smell of barbecued burgers and sausages assailed us in the cold air!. But we resisted, first we wanted to tour this quite large colorful market, gleaming in lights and perfumed candles.Stalls awash with chocolate,and other sweetmeats tempted us,Jewelry glittered under spot lights,Christmas decorations galore, rag dolls and handmade small animals eyed us hopefully, scattered ornaments, enough to fill the mantelpieces of a thousand Aunt's or Grandmothers. The Mancunians were out in force on this pre- Christmas Friday all it seemed intent on finding that elusive Christmas present they had been unable to find cheaper elsewhere. Frail grandmothers were lovingly escorted and guided by doting grandchildren, Young ladies in fur lined coats black tights and high heeled boots swept past some so stunning they could may as well be on their way to a modelling assignment!.Frantic mothers with young children begged pleaded and threatened their off spring, guys in scruffy jeans idled along munching on hot dogs and buying little else, and as always there was the odd old men carrying a plastic bag. they are everywhere and they always carry a plastic bag the contents of which known only to them. High above us beyond the fairy lights and the trees a giant Father Christmas sat on the roof of the huge Town Hall in Albert Square beaming down benevolently at the teeming crowds below whilst we had a snack in a little cafe just off the Square.
