The team behind Altrincham's The Brit Fest is bringing a major new Christmas production to Manchester's AO Arena this December.
Great British Festivals - the company founded by Altrincham-based brothers Edward and Anthony Prophet - has announced the Christmas Musical Spectacular, billed as one of Europe's largest Christmas shows, will take place on 22nd and 23rd December.
The production promises world-class staging, live performance and a setlist built around well-known festive favourites, designed for audiences of all ages.
The Prophets said: "We grew up just down the road, so to be bringing something like this to Manchester at Christmas means a lot.
"It's about being together, switching off, and enjoying something that brings everyone into the same moment."
The announcement comes after two successful years for The Brit Fest.
Last year the event, held at Ashley Hall Showground in Altrincham, attracted more than 30,000 visitors and has been nominated for Best New Festival and Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards, as well as winning Leading Live Event at the This Is Manchester Awards. The pair are also Olivier Award nominees and double Offie Award winners.
The Brit Fest returns to Altrincham from 3rd to 5th July 2026, headlined by Manchester indie legends Happy Mondays, 80s icon Holly Johnson - the voice of Frankie Goes to Hollywood - and new wave pioneers ABC.
Other leading acts include Wet Wet Wet, Eternal, Peter Hook & The Light, Sleeper, Cast, Aswad, Space and many more, with the weekend kicking off on Thursday 3rd July with a Symphonic Ibiza night featuring live strings and vocalist Angie Brown.
Full casting and show details for the Christmas Musical Spectacular will be revealed at an exclusive launch event on 7th May.
Those interested can register now for early access at christmasmusicalspectacular.co.uk, with tickets going on general sale on Friday 15th May via the website and the AO Arena box office.
