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Warden Selected to Deliver Manchester Christmas Markets Infrastructure Through to 2028

Manchester Christmas Markets (German) a busy Piccadilly Gardens

North West contractor, Warden Construction, has been selected to deliver Manchester Christmas Markets infrastructure for the next three years, extending its involvement in one of the UK’s largest festive markets through to 2028.

Manchester Christmas Markets have become one of the UK’s largest and most high-profile festive attractions, drawing millions of visitors to the city and adding millions of pounds to the economy.  The markets featured 274 stalls across ten city-centre locations in 2025.

Warden has supported the Christmas markets since 2023. Its selection builds on a well-established partnership with Manchester City Council and the wider markets team, contributing construction and health and safety expertise to inform the design and programme, alongside the flexibility to respond when requirements change.

Working with the council through the North West Construction Hub, Warden’s role covers planning, installation and dismantling of the markets’ infrastructure. In 2025, the contractor committed more than 2,600 hours to site management and supervision alone.

The three-year selection remains subject to a separate direct award tender process for each year’s contract.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said: “The Christmas Markets are an important part of Manchester’s calendar, and being selected for the next three years means a great deal to our team. Our people take pride in helping prepare the city for the traders and visitors who make the event what it is.

“We aim to be a true partner to our clients on every project, contributing our expertise from the outset and responding when plans need to change. That approach has underpinned our relationship with the market organisers, and we are pleased to build on the experience as we begin preparations for this year, and the ones that follow.”

With offices in Kirkham and Warrington, Warden Construction has more than 70 years’ experience delivering major construction and refurbishment projects. The company works with leading public and private-sector clients, with particular expertise in complex live environments, decarbonisation and fire safety remediation.