New Santa set to shine

Don Frame

November 06, 2007

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THE new-look Father Christmas has finally pulled himself together, ready to wow the crowds at tomorrow's festive lights switch-on.

The 32ft-high figure - specially imported from France - is made up of a stunning 100,000 light bulbs.

It is the first non-inflatable Santa to preside over the attractions in Manchester's Albert Square.

Unlike his predecessors, he hasn't got a lofty perch on the town hall roof.

Instead he has a specially built seat of honour above the building's main entrance.

The six-tonne Santa arrived in pieces and workmen have been busy putting him together since the weekend.

A huge crane had to be brought in to do the job, finishing with the head.

Manchester's X Factor-winning star Shayne Ward will be the main attraction at tomorrow night's switching-on ceremony.

He plans to sing three numbers to the crowd, which is expected to number several thousand.

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Lisa Moore...Wilmslow...Cheshire (07/11/2007 at 08:24)

I don't know why they bother....The people of Manchester will not appreciate it, they never do. Somebody will end up thieving it.

just joan, Manchester (07/11/2007 at 08:38)

I think we should have a naming competition for our new Father Christmas. I believe Zippy is first choice at the moment

THE REDS RULE THE CITEH, GET OVER IT MUPPETS (07/11/2007 at 09:10)

Lisa Moore...Wilmslow...Cheshire
this is 32 foot high not inches.how the hell is anyone going to thieve this monster,it weighs about 2 tons.its not hardley going to fit into a bin bag now is it.duh

jsac1984 (07/11/2007 at 09:10)

Lisa Moore , they would have to be some determined thieves to steel it. Zippy weighs in at over 6 tons , and would need to be dismantled to get him down . I think its safe to say he will be staying!

Jimc (07/11/2007 at 09:29)

Lisa stop talking rubbish, Lisa, Zippy it .... Will you...

Ash (07/11/2007 at 11:03)

I've woke up with all sorts of strange items in my house after a heavy drinking session. Where there's a will there's a way!

Jimc (07/11/2007 at 11:08)

What were the bed wreckers called Ash ????.

Ms D, Manchester (07/11/2007 at 11:14)

It looks like Zippy from Rainbow !

Marc Watterson (07/11/2007 at 12:27)

What a waste of money! And as for the scaffolding holding the thing up - looks really unattractive - all looks a bit blue peter to me!

Lindsey Frezza (07/11/2007 at 12:59)

As a Manchester Tax payer and also someone who has paid a lot of money to hold their wedding reception at the Town Hall during the period that 'Santa' and the Meccano scaffolding will be in place, I am not happy.

So Cllr Pat Karney, I expect you to stand by your claim that if the people of Manchester don't like the new festive eyesore you will abseil down the Beetham Tower. I for one will be there with bells on!

Miss M, Manchester (07/11/2007 at 13:20)

Who's paying the electricy bill then?

Miss M, Manchester (07/11/2007 at 13:25)

Who on earth has decided that this is what the people of Manchester want?
Where is it going to be stored when the huge zippy is taken down, whicbh i expect will take 3 more days of workmans time to be paid for by taxpayers!

I would much rather see Shayne Ward in a tinsle thong!

Miss M, Manchester (07/11/2007 at 13:27)

Are they engery saving bulbs by any chance!

Louise (07/11/2007 at 13:40)

Surely there are better ways of spending public money than on 100,000 light bulbs for this eyesore.

Gloria (07/11/2007 at 13:44)

Miss M,Manchester

you are!!

Chris, Oldham (07/11/2007 at 14:18)

Nothing like a bit of festive cheer eh? Yes, they are energy saving bulbs. Yes, it is a bit frivilous, but it employs local work to put it together. And yes, it will look cracking.

Is there any chance that this will be an end to the moaning?

Gloria (07/11/2007 at 14:41)

Chris,Oldham
no it's not,it's still ugly and it will sit looking ugly until February when it's dirty and battered and then they'll wheel it out for the next five years and everyone will be sad to see it go!

marc (07/11/2007 at 14:49)

what a miserable bunch you are. its for the kids not grown ups. have a word with yourselves.

Gloria (07/11/2007 at 15:06)

Marc,
yes you're right! I for one refuse to manipulated and ripped off by the media circus and retailers I am happy 364 days of the year!

marc (07/11/2007 at 15:20)

i bet the kids really look forward to the handfuls of gravel in your house on christmas morning gloria.

Jimc (07/11/2007 at 15:35)

Another comment censored again thats 3 today, am i not allowed to have a view.

Gloria (07/11/2007 at 15:45)

Child FREE Marc!

Donald Farrer, Rochdale (07/11/2007 at 15:53)

Great isnt it eh.....the council spent loads of cash on this but they wouldnt give me a grant for a new fence-what a total waste of money.

marc (07/11/2007 at 15:59)

gloria, you're wrong. children cost THOUSANDS!

Giles, True Voice of the Terraces (07/11/2007 at 15:59)

It looks pathetic. Why is it called 'Santa'? Santa is a man with white hair and a white beard. This is an orange puppet with a red coat and hat. It's not even Santa!

The scaffolding is an eyesore too. Thanks once again Manchester Council for frittering away my council tax. If you are going to do something then at least do it properly.

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