Spotting an old friend …………..

 Now I can’t quite remember when Father Christmas came to St Peter’s Square.

The tourist attraction, 2022

He was there in 2019 but before that I have no idea.

Sneaking up on Santa, 2022

Prompting reminiscences of the red coated present bringer on his sleigh which used to adorn the roof of the Town Hall.

And I rather think that the figure outside Central Ref once guarded the entrance to the Town Hall looking down on the Christmas market stalls.

All very festive and reminds me that there was a time when the only nod to Christmas was the big tree in Albert Square the lights down Cross Street and Deansgate and of course the shop displays.

Leaving me to muse that his presence in St Peter’s Square attracts lots of tourists and visitors doing the “picture” but with few sneaking up on him from behind.

Location; St Peter’s Square

Pictures; Father Christmas and Sneaking up on Santa, 2022, from the collection of Andrew Simpson