Manchester will be the first destination in the UK to welcome a brand-new festive attraction ahead of Christmas. ‘The Candlelight Arena’ will open its doors at The Trafford Centre this December for a ten-show West End Christmas spectacular.
Fifth year celebration with purpose-built venue
To mark its fifth year, Concerts By Candlelight will open a purpose-built 1,000 sq m ‘big top’ venue creating an Christmas wonderland, bringing together candlelight, acclaimed West End stars, world-class live musicians, breathtaking production and festive atmosphere. Shows will include Abba Christmas, Bublé Christmas, Rat Pack, and Motown.
Tickets are now on sale for the Christmas Candlelight Concert Series starting on 5 December. Prices start from £19.50 per person inclusive of booking fee, with more information, pricing and tickets on the Concerts by Candlelight website.
Full-circle moment for Manchester-based company
Daniel Wood, co-founder of Concerts By Candlelight said: "Bringing The Candlelight Arena to Manchester genuinely means a lot to me. Manchester is not only my hometown, it's also where Concerts By Candlelight began five years ago.
“While we've grown far beyond what I could ever have imagined back then, this city will always be where the story started. Launching our biggest and most ambitious project yet here feels like a real full-circle moment.
“We've always believed that live music should feel immersive and special and, with The Candlelight Arena, we've created something completely unique for Christmas. From the moment guests step inside, they'll be surrounded By candlelight, festive atmosphere, incredible music and some truly outstanding West End talent.
“It's more than just a venue. It's a place where people can come together, celebrate the season and make lasting memories.
"We're incredibly proud to be bringing it to the Trafford Centre, and there's nowhere else we'd rather launch this new chapter than right here in Manchester."
860-seat venue and festive residency
Launched in 2021 with a socially-distanced performance at a church in Salford, Manchester-based Concerts By Candlelight produces 800 candlelit shows every year across the UK and Ireland. Having welcomed more than 1.2 million audience members to its shows globally, ‘The Candlelight Arena’ is the company’s most ambitious venture to date, creating an 860-seat venue.
For one month, the Christmas By Candlelight tour will take up residency inside The Candlelight Arena at the Trafford Centre, bringing together a range of festive productions. The residency is a partnership with Gandey World Class Productions, who will be at The Trafford Centre for a 5th year with their family spectacular ice show, ‘Snow Storm’.
Inside The Candlelight Arena, guests will discover twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, festive decor, indoor snowfall and hundreds of glowing candles, all set beneath the canvas of a spectacular heated Christmas ‘big top’ venue. It will combine the magic of a candlelit concert with the scale and spectacle of a major live production.
Sandra Blakelidge, Singer at Concerts By Candlelight added: “To be part of a project like The Candlelight Arena in my home city is so special. I've had the privilege of performing with Concerts By Candlelight for many years and have seen first-hand how much audiences connect with these shows.
“The Candlelight Arena takes that experience to another level. It's not just about the music, it's about creating unforgettable memories, in a more connected way than ever. Concerts By Candlelight started here in Manchester, so this launch feels even more meaningful, and I'm so proud to be part of it."
