MANCHESTER'S new-look Santa was in pieces yesterday - scattered across Albert Square.

But if all goes to plan, the 32ft Father Christmas will have pulled himself together today ready to be hoisted into place.

Unlike his inflatable predecessors, he won't be heading for the town hall roof. Instead, he'll take pride of place on a platform of Meccano-like metal girders above the front door.

The new Santa will be immune to puncture problems which have plagued the past.

Shipped in from France and weighing in at six tonnes, the metal-framed giant has no inflatable components. But he promises to grab the attention with 100,000 bulbs which will sparkle into action at Thursday's official switch-on. As well as being the centrepiece of the Christmas lights, the new Santa will also be used in a major fundraising drive by the New Children's Hospital Appeal.

Coun Pat Karney said: "I'm convinced Manchester will like him - if people don't, I'll abseil down the Beetham Tower."

Santa has been a feature on Manchester town hall for 21 years. In 2002, when town hall bosses said they had tired of his presence, M.E.N. readers mounted a successful campaigned for him to stay.

But at the beginning of this year, the latest blow-up version was declared unsafe and sent to be melted down for recycling.

The switch-on features stars led by X Factor winner Shayne Ward. The festive markets will also return on November 15.
Tweet