With the Christmas Markets in Manchester opening next Friday, 8th November, Network Rail has issued timely advice for anyone travelling to the city during the festive period.

Last year, over 6.6 million passengers used the station during the festive season, and Network Rail expects this year to be even busier.

To make their journey go smoother, passengers intending to travel during this time should check their plans with National Rail at www.nationalrail.co.uk before they start their journey and make sure they know what time their train leaves.

Over the festive period, trains to the city will be particularly busy, as besides people travelling to the Christmas Markets, there will also be also concerts, football matches, and revellers travelling to and from Christmas parties.

To ensure passengers’ safety and keep them safely on the move. There will be extra staff on duty and the station team will be supplemented by event managers.

However, although Christmas cheer is more than welcome, behaviour that crosses the line to be deemed anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

This Christmas, engineering work on the West Coast Main Line will affect services to Manchester, with trains to and from London Euston station being especially busy from 24th December until 2nd January.

Anyone who can do so is advised to travel on either side of these dates to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.

Between Wednesday, 25th December and Thursday, 2nd January, signalling in the Crewe area is set to be upgraded, which will affect services through the area.

On Friday, 27th December there will be no train services via Crewe, and from Saturday, 28th December until Friday, 3rd January there will be no direct services from London Euston to Liverpool and a reduced service to Manchester.

“Christmas is a special time at Manchester Piccadilly, and we love being a part of the festivities as people travel through the station to celebrate, or do their Christmas shopping. “However, our priority is to keep everyone safe. If you are not able to travel safely, you will not be welcome at the station. Disruptive and dangerous behaviour, after a few too many mulled wines, puts yourself, other passengers, and our colleagues at risk. Please, be considerate of others when travelling by train this Christmas. “We have extra staff on hand this year to help keep you safely on the move.”

Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly’s station delivery manager