Manchester’s Christmas markets return next week, and large numbers of people are expected to travel by train for the event.
Last year’s markets were cancelled because of the pandemic, so bumper crowds are expected at this year’s event, which runs from Friday 12 November until Wednesday 22 December.
This year the markets have moved to a location in Piccadilly Gardens, which is less than a half-mile from Piccadilly station.
Network Rail is therefore advising rail travellers to ‘think in threes’ by following these three tips when visiting the markets:
- Plan your journey and check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk;
- Take an earlier train home – later services will be extremely busy;
- Remember Network Rail’s motto of ‘Be safe, be patient, be kind’ when travelling.
During the opening weekend of 2019’s markets, over 400,000 people used Manchester Piccadilly station. Because the markets were cancelled in 2020, this year station staff are expecting large numbers of visitors to use the station when travelling to them.
Although the stalls and attractions are a great addition to the city, it can mean that trains and station platforms will be much busier than usual. As with previous years, queuing systems may be used to allow people to board their trains home safely.
If possible, passengers should wear a face-covering in busy stations and on trains so that everyone can travel in confidence, and should follow the latest Government advice.
To reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place hand sanitisers will be available on the station concourse.
Kyla Thomas, Network Rail station manager at Manchester Piccadilly, said: “We’ve loved welcoming passengers back to the station over the last few months and the fact the Christmas market is coming back is a huge boost after the tough 18 months we’ve all had.
“It means the festive season has started, but it also means the busiest time of the year is here for our station team. To make everyone’s journey as smooth as it can be, I’m urging passengers to follow our three golden rules to make travelling in and out of the city as easy as possible. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout the festive season.”
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