UK Christmas market 'looks like a jumble sale' say traders as visitors ask for refunds

Unreal Xmas event in Manchester has been criticised by visitors and traders, voicing their disappointment that the ice-skating rink looked different when compared to promotional pictures.

The Unreal Xmas event in Manchester had promised “an enchanting festive spectacular, on a scale never seen before”.

“A sensory journey through an enchanted Christmas world featuring a magical Christmas village, markets and a breath-taking ice-skating experience through a captivating forest and snow-covered world" was marketed by Unreal Xmas.

“Two custom-built bars will enable visitors to take in the magical atmosphere and watch family and friends skate.

“Whilst a skate-up bar will be available for festive refreshments ice-side.”

The Manchester market opened on December 3 at Trafford Palazzo.

The event which is open until January 3 has however been criticised by visitors who told the Express: “I can’t even begin to tell you how bad it was."

Stacey Slavin said "It doesn’t look a thing like the pictures. The lumberjack has been and stolen all the Christmas trees. It’s tiny and it’s an absolute shambles."

“By the time you’ve got skates from the cattle market free for all, you get about 30 minutes on the ice. The ice was horrendous, left with holes where people had chipped it during the day" the visitor told the Express.

Unreal Xmas organisers claimed the bar was separated from the rink for health and safety reasons.

The Makers Market has pulled out of four dates.