0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's that magical time of year. It's Christmas!
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Up and down the UK in towns and cities,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09families are gearing up for that big special day.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13They're buying presents, eating and drinking and generally making merry.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16But, as we know, Christmas is a major undertaking that takes
0:00:16 > 0:00:19planning, organisation and a lot of hard work.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23But for some people it can be a pretty challenging time too.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25I'm very scared.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28I should've used nails.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Still got Christmas trees to be delivered.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34So we're in the heart of Britain's biggest Christmas market in Manchester
0:00:34 > 0:00:38to show you just what it takes to get that festive season on track.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41If we didn't do our job, the city would come to a standstill.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Our priority is to get the motorway open and get these people moving again.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Somebody's fallen over getting into a taxi. The ambulance has already been called.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54We're going to be meeting stallholders, police officers
0:00:54 > 0:00:56and organisers who all work tirelessly behind the scenes
0:00:56 > 0:01:00to make this special time of year safe and joyful for us all.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02It really does feel like the start of Christmas
0:01:02 > 0:01:05because everyone's getting together and having a good time.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07BOTH: Welcome to Christmas City!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09It's going to be a good Christmas.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24On today's show, I'm out with the Street Angels.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Now, they're a group of volunteers who patrol the streets of Manchester
0:01:28 > 0:01:31on Friday night to make sure that your Christmas celebrations end up
0:01:31 > 0:01:34with nothing more serious than a bit of a sore head in the morning.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38We've got a guy just on the right. Do you want to just check he's all right?
0:01:38 > 0:01:41And I'll be travelling up north to follow the journey
0:01:41 > 0:01:43of a Christmas tree from the Scottish Borders,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45via the Christmas markets, to our very own front rooms.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47BOTH: Cheers!
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Manchester Christmas markets are in full swing.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Over six weeks, nine million visits will be made to stalls
0:01:56 > 0:02:00selling the whole range of seasonal staples from gluhwein
0:02:00 > 0:02:05to handmade wooden decorations, and of course Christmas trees.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07For many of us the festive season really begins
0:02:07 > 0:02:10when we haul the Christmas tree through the front door,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13put it in our living room and decorate it with baubles and tinsel.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16So I've come up to Galloway in the Scottish Borders
0:02:16 > 0:02:20to find out more about where our Christmas trees come from.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Here on the Garrocher Tree Farm,
0:02:22 > 0:02:27there's around three quarters of a million of them on over 300 acres.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Farm manager Martin McKenzie
0:02:29 > 0:02:32has been growing Christmas trees for 30 years.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33Wow!
0:02:35 > 0:02:37So Christmas must be a bit of a big deal for you?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40How many Christmas trees do you get through during that period?
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- For this season we'll be doing between 30,000 and 40,000.- Wow!
0:02:44 > 0:02:48And we have to do that largely within a two to three week period.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51So with all these trees to choose from,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54how do you decide which one gets the chop?
0:02:54 > 0:02:56It's largely in the eye of the beholder to be honest.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00I could show you two or three different trees which you might think are perfect,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- I might think are not perfect. - Right, OK.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07This looks perfect to me because you could put a star on top, you could get your baubles on here.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09How do you get to that stage?
0:03:09 > 0:03:13We prune every single tree on the farm to contain its width
0:03:13 > 0:03:15so the tree doesn't get too wide
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and also to bulk up the density of the tree.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- So you shape them as it's growing? - Yes.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- So it gets thicker and you can fit more baubles on...- Exactly - ..the more stems you get.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29But producing the perfect Christmas tree is a long-term project.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35We grow the tree for seven to ten years at least.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38The bigger trees we are looking at behind you are 15 plus years.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42With 40,000 trees to cut down they'd better get chopping!
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Do you think I'd be allowed a go, Martin?- Yes, I'm sure you can.- OK.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49He makes it look so easy.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53The size is the colour, so blue is a six-foot,
0:03:53 > 0:03:58the white tag is the grade of the tree, so it's a premium grade tree.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01We need 17 of these at the moment.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Right, I'm on it. I can feel the tree. Here we go.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Timber! Look at that!
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- How did I do Martin? Was that all right?- Perfect.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Was it a clean cut?- Nice and close to the ground. Perfect.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Right, there's another 16 to do.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22So have I got a job then, Martin?
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- A little more practice yet!- It's not as easy as it looks actually.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- It's not. - It's quite a heavy machine.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30But it's a lot easier than using a chainsaw or a handsaw to cut them down.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- I bet.- And a lot safer.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37Over the years, Martin has earned a number of celebrity Christmas tree clients.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41One in particular we're quite proud of that we've supplied
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- for the last seven years is the Ritz hotel in London.- Wow!
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Which tree is theirs then?
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- This tree we're just looking at right here.- That is a good tree.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52It's a very good tree. I see what you're talking about.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56It's very even. It's huge though. Absolutely huge.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58It's 23 feet from butt to tip.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02We have to send photographs of the tree from various directions
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and ensure them they've got the tree that they want.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09And did you know when it was a young sapling that it was going to be the tree for the Ritz?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Of course I did!
0:05:11 > 0:05:15It's obviously a labour of love for Martin but it's also a business
0:05:15 > 0:05:19and, like any farmer, he's always at the mercy of the weather.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22We're out in the middle of a beautiful day today but if there's a storm,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25if there's weather problems, does it affect your yield?
0:05:25 > 0:05:29It could affect our ability to extract the trees
0:05:29 > 0:05:33or if the roads become blocked there is always the possibility of snow.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Four or five years ago we had snowdrifts on the road up to the farm
0:05:37 > 0:05:40which were six or seven feet deep.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43If we'd had that at Christmas time it would have been a disaster for sure,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45so fingers crossed on that one.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51After being cut down, the tree is left for three days to enable
0:05:51 > 0:05:55the sap to firm up, helping to prevent the needles from dropping.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I need your help with the lift. There we go.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01The trees are then netted up ready for shipping.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Here comes the arm. - Wait there, just wait.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I see what you mean. That's scary.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- OK.- Right, so now do we inch it forward?
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Ram it in the middle. One, two, three.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15I see. So it's grabbed it nice and firm. Hold it up so it's central.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Wow! That's a strong thing.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24And look at that, it's now half the size as it went in.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27I could do with one of these slimming machines!
0:06:30 > 0:06:33I'm getting a pretty good workout loading up these trees.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Potentially 4,000 trees in a day we'll move out.- 4,000 in a day!
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I'm shattered after seven!
0:06:44 > 0:06:45There we have it.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48It's taken eight years for these trees to get to this point
0:06:48 > 0:06:52but now they're starting their journey to wholesalers and shops across the whole of the UK
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and we're going to catch up with them in Manchester.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16In Britain there are over 270,000 licensed taxis
0:07:16 > 0:07:18and private hire vehicles.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times
0:07:22 > 0:07:26in a cab driver's calendar and that means it's just as hectic
0:07:26 > 0:07:28for the licensing team whose job it is
0:07:28 > 0:07:32to ensure the taxi-travelling public are kept safe.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Today, the Tameside licensing team will be conducting
0:07:36 > 0:07:38spot checks on taxis in their area.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Council officer Dave Smith is in charge of operations
0:07:41 > 0:07:43back at the testing centre.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45That's your foot, Ray!
0:07:45 > 0:07:49The reason we do these spot checks is because the vehicles are obviously out all the time,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53they're very busy vehicles, there's a lot of mileage on those vehicles.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Today one of our officers is out with the Greater Manchester Police.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58They'll be pulling vehicles into the garage.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01When they come into the garage they will be tested mechanically
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and myself and my colleague will look at the driver to make sure
0:08:04 > 0:08:08they're licensed and make sure they are insured to drive that vehicle.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11While Dave waits at the garage, his colleague, Mike Robinson,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15is out on patrol with two police officers hunting for taxis.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19We'll pull him over and we'll ask him to go straight down
0:08:19 > 0:08:21to Tame Street to the garage.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26With no shortage of cabbies on the roads, a wintry Friday morning
0:08:26 > 0:08:30is the perfect time for the council to be conducting these spot checks.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32There's one there.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42We're just doing a spot check operation this morning.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46They'll just do a quick spot check of the vehicle. A compliance test.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47OK? Thank you very much.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Head down to Tame Street after you drop your fare off.- No problem.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Thanks very much. Cheers.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Mike takes a photo of each vehicle's taxi licence,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01which he sends to his colleagues at the garage.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04If any of the vehicles he's pulled over fails the test
0:09:04 > 0:09:07then the driver will automatically lose their right
0:09:07 > 0:09:09to carry paying passengers.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Back at the depot, the spot checks are now flooding in.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18What you need to do is you need to go and get yourself a tariff sheet.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22And you also need to go home and get your first aid kit.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23That needs to be in the vehicle.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I'm just going to check your seatbelts guys, all right?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- In the event of a crash... - Yes, sometimes.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35But that needs to lock so that type of movement...
0:09:37 > 0:09:39..needs to be locking it.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Not once every six or seven attempts. The first time.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47The driver wants to hold-off getting the faulty seatbelt repaired until
0:09:47 > 0:09:50the vehicle's next MOT, but there's no way that Dave is going to
0:09:50 > 0:09:55let a vehicle with this safety issue out on the snowy Christmas streets.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58The taxi will be unable to pick up fares until the seatbelt is fixed.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02I know you're gutted and probably angry about the seat belt issue and I get that,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06I understand that and it's not that we're trying to stop you working,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10but if I get in your taxi tonight and I had a member of my family sat in that seat
0:10:10 > 0:10:13and you were involved in a bump and that seatbelt didn't work,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15do you know what I mean?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It doesn't bear thinking about.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Back out on the icy streets,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Mike and the police patrol are really hitting their stride.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35Have you got your badge on? That's great. I'm Mike from licensing.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Hopefully you should be on your way as soon as possible.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42All right, thanks very much.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- Are you able to take the vehicle down to Tame Street.- Right now?
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Yes, if you could please.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52And for this Tameside taxi driver he could be losing fares
0:10:52 > 0:10:55not just today, but over the festive season too
0:10:55 > 0:10:58if his vehicle is proven to be unroadworthy.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Bing Crosby's White Christmas is the bestselling Christmas single ever,
0:11:09 > 0:11:14selling over 50 million copies worldwide since 1942.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without some festive tunes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23For businesses, creating that perfect ambience during the festive season is crucial
0:11:23 > 0:11:25and that's exactly what's brought together
0:11:25 > 0:11:28one of the city's oldest businesses with one of its newest.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34There are few names as famous as Forsyths
0:11:34 > 0:11:36in the grand world of the piano.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41From their Manchester base they sell, restore and tune
0:11:41 > 0:11:44one of the widest ranges of instruments in the country.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50The shop itself houses a show-stopping display of pianos,
0:11:50 > 0:11:55ranging from £400 to a concert grand that will set you back over £100,000.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00And over the festive period these pianos will be dispatched
0:12:00 > 0:12:02to the homes of the rich and famous...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07..or take their place on international stages.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Today, fifth-generation piano connoisseur Simon Loat runs the business.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Almost like we've done it before!
0:12:15 > 0:12:19We started in 1857 when Charles Halle was invited
0:12:19 > 0:12:21to come to Manchester to start the orchestra.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25He was delighted to come up but he didn't know how to run a business, run an orchestra.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29So he invited his friends the Forsyth brothers to help him run the orchestra
0:12:29 > 0:12:32and he suggested they could open a music shop at the same time.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38Nowadays their customers include Gary Barlow and David Beckham, to name a few.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41But at Christmas time they attract an even wider clientele.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45We don't always get the same type of customers we get during the rest of the year.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We normally get a musician buying for themselves,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51but at Christmas we get family members buying for another family member
0:12:51 > 0:12:55or buying for a musical friend and they're not necessarily musical themselves.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Have you got it, Chris?- Yes.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00But today they're awaiting a slightly different type of customer.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02So this is the workshop.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06This is where we'll put the piano on its feet, unwrap it and check it out.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10One of Manchester's newest and most luxurious five-star hotels
0:13:10 > 0:13:15wants one of their pianos to form a Christmas centrepiece in their restaurant.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19They were wondering about the possibility of being able to have a piano for Christmas.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24They want it in the restaurant area and they thought it would be nice for creating a good mood.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29His customer has arrived. Mario is the manager of the Gotham Hotel.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32He wants to add a Christmas sparkle to this year's festivities
0:13:32 > 0:13:35in his upmarket restaurant.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Christmas is coming to town, as we know,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41and it's high time to get ready and be as Christmassy as possible.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44So I'm here because I'm looking to get a nice baby grand piano
0:13:44 > 0:13:46for the festive season.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50I put the order in about four weeks ago and I haven't seen the piano yet
0:13:50 > 0:13:52so that's why I'm excited today.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Hello.- I'm Mario. Good to see you.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59So we just got it out of our basement this morning.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01It looks lovely. It looks perfect.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07The £15,000 piano has travelled from China by boat
0:14:07 > 0:14:09to take centre stage at the hotel.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12But it's next journey to the sixth floor restaurant
0:14:12 > 0:14:14could be its most perilous.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17The only route is via the customer lift.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Everybody told me there's no way you'll get a piano in that lift.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24He was walking around with a tape measure so...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Two centimetres at each end.- Yes.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Maybe it won't fit!
0:14:30 > 0:14:33But the only plan B will be a crane.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Let's hope we don't have to resort to that.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40I would be much happier if Simon gets it in the lift
0:14:40 > 0:14:43and set up in half an hour, as he promises.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Where's the tape measure?!
0:14:56 > 0:14:59We're back in the garage with licensing officers
0:14:59 > 0:15:01from Tameside Borough Council.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03The stuff in the windows needs to come off.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06This blue taxi has been sent in for testing
0:15:06 > 0:15:08by a team out patrolling the streets.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10That means the driver is losing business
0:15:10 > 0:15:14during the busiest time of the week and he's not happy about it.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Why couldn't they do this on a Tuesday when it's dead? Or a Monday?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Because vehicles don't come out because it's dead and
0:15:20 > 0:15:23we need to be able to get to vehicles to bring them in.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Dave has gone through the disgruntled driver's documents
0:15:28 > 0:15:30and everything is in order.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33Yeah, I know.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Now it's his vehicle's turn for the once-over.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Is that in reverse? And your hazard lights.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And it doesn't take the mechanic long to unearth a problem.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53We're going to have to do an emissions test on it.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59At the far end of the garage licensing officer Gemma Lee
0:15:59 > 0:16:02is giving another cabbie a clean bill of health.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05He's got his cheque book filled in,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08he's doing the vehicle maintenance checks regularly,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11he's got all his credentials with him, insurance certificate,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14logbook, everything, all in a little wallet in his glove box.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15That's how we want it, really.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19But now it's the moment of truth for the blue minivan.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23Fail the emission test and its taxi plates will be temporarily removed,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26resulting in an unwelcome weekend off for its driver.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34It's clearly failed the emissions test.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37It seems to be that it's failed that bad it's done something
0:16:37 > 0:16:40to the computer so we can't even print off the document.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45It looks like Gemma is going to be the bearer of some bad news.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- We've just done the emissions test and unfortunately the vehicle has failed.- OK.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51It seems to be that we're not able to get a reading off it
0:16:51 > 0:16:53because of the amount of smoke it was giving off,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57so unfortunately it's going to be your plates taken off today.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59I'm going to instruct you not to do anything.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- Don't have any repairs done yet. I'll give you a copy of this... - Why can't I have any repairs done?
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Because we're going to check the test history of the vehicle
0:17:06 > 0:17:08and then obviously make a decision then.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12So this afternoon or latest Monday I'll be in touch with you or Dave will
0:17:12 > 0:17:16and obviously we can take it from there because the plates are going to be off the vehicle.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18OK. Not a problem.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22At first the cabbie takes it on the chin but as the council workers
0:17:22 > 0:17:26complete their duties, his mood takes a definite turn for the worse.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It failed and I haven't got a problem with that.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31That's the way it is and it's better it's failed to be honest
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- because something will get done about it.- Exactly.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37But why leave the engine on? Why leave the engine on when it's failed?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Let's just calm down. - What we need to do is...
0:17:40 > 0:17:43I come in for a test and I'm normally here half an hour or 20 minutes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Unfortunately when it's a spot check it is like this.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Unfortunately we have to get vehicles in and it's a bit like a conveyor belt.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- I am sorry you feel aggrieved you've been waiting quite long.- I am a little bit to be honest with you.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57I understand that but unfortunately that's the way it is.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59When we're out doing spot checks and that's how it will be.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Whenever you're involved in a spot check again you will have to wait unfortunately.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06But it isn't acceptable to speak to somebody in that manner.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- You know that as well as I do. - I do, yes.- OK, thank you.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Eventually, Gemma is able to calm him down but the cabbie is still
0:18:13 > 0:18:17struggling to come to terms with an enforced weekend off the road.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19They've took this off which is a good idea.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22If it's not right, it shouldn't be on and I agree with that.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26From that point of view, everything's right. I haven't got a problem with that.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30What I've got a problem with is why not do this on a Monday or Tuesday when it's quieter?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Friday or Saturday are our busiest days.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36It's not a case of we think, "Oh, great, it's a Friday, let's target a Friday."
0:18:36 > 0:18:39We do do these operations throughout the year on various different days.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42It's just unfortunate for him now obviously,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45his plates are off, he's going to be like that over the weekend.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49We can't be having a vehicle driving round that isn't roadworthy to do so.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52The licensing team are winding up their operation for the day.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Two potentially dangerous cabs have been taken off the road
0:18:56 > 0:18:59for repairs and Dave can reflect on a job well done.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03The operation this morning has been quite a success really.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Unfortunately we've had vehicles that have failed.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07But we've caught them.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10They have been taken off the road which is always a positive.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13It's important the vehicles, certainly around the Christmas
0:19:13 > 0:19:16period, are in top nick because they are going to be extremely busy.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29It's the beginning of an anxious day for Manchester's oldest music shop.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32After a week in the workshop being tuned, they're due to deliver
0:19:32 > 0:19:38a £15,000 piano to a luxury hotel in the city centre.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Come on then. Let's get started.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43It's a delicate operation and shop owner Simon
0:19:43 > 0:19:46is travelling with it every step of the way.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Slightly concerned that the lift is very tight.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55I had a look at it yesterday and the lift was smaller than I remembered.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56Oh, no.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00It's very hard to tell because of the curve of the piano.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03We were slightly worried it's going to be just a bit too long.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09When the lift doors close then I'll be able to relax.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14It's a nervous wait for Hotel Gotham's manager, Mario,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17who's pinning his hopes on the piano becoming
0:20:17 > 0:20:20a real show stopper in his sixth floor restaurant.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24But the practicalities of running a hotel in a listed building
0:20:24 > 0:20:26are a constant challenge.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31The plan for the piano is to come through our main guest lift.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33This is a listed building and everything in it
0:20:33 > 0:20:36had to be made to fit the building.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39So what I'm hoping really is that the actual piano
0:20:39 > 0:20:42is not much bigger than me.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Back at the shop, the baby grand is on the move.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49So we have our best piano movers here today.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53They're the Gilbert brothers, Wayne and Neil. They're absolutely fantastic.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55They've been moving pianos all their working lives.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58If anybody can get the piano in there, they can.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02So we're all loaded now and then we find out if it fits.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10At the hotel, Mario is anxious to cover all bases
0:21:10 > 0:21:14and has a plan B in place, but it's an expensive last resort.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18If the piano doesn't fit into our guest lift we would have to
0:21:18 > 0:21:22hire a crane, probably stop the traffic around the building
0:21:22 > 0:21:26as well, and then lift the piano seven floors up and then physically
0:21:26 > 0:21:30carry it one flight of stairs down into the restaurant
0:21:30 > 0:21:32on the sixth floor.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35I'm desperate for that not to happen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Hi, Mario.- Hello. Welcome. Nice to see.- Good to see you. Yes.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44We've just finished an exceptionally busy breakfast service.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48We are on a very tight time schedule to turn the room around for lunch
0:21:48 > 0:21:52and the piano has to be fully in place in time for that.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56So time is of the premium. I'm very scared.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Come on then Wayne, let's have a look.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I actually woke up at 4:30am this morning thinking,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11will it fit in the lift?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14The problem is, that's where the door is wider.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24They've done this before.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30To Simon's relief, they've made it with less than a millimetre to spare.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Can you press the button?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35That's the only problem!
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Where are we going? Six?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39It's on its way up.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44The piano might have made it to the sixth floor,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48but until it's set up and working they're not out of the woods.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50It's a lot heavier than it looks, I promise you.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54And there's bad news. There's something wrong with the piano.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It's fallen out, hasn't it?
0:22:56 > 0:23:00The rod that lifts the damper tray that lifts all the dampers up
0:23:00 > 0:23:03when you push the pedal down has come out of position when we
0:23:03 > 0:23:05turned the piano on its side.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07There's only one thing for it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Simon will have to strip the piano down, and it's a race against time.
0:23:12 > 0:23:19Right, we have exactly an hour until the first lunch table arrives.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Is that it?- No.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26It doesn't seem to be jamming on anything.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30There we go. Is that it?
0:23:30 > 0:23:32At last there's some news.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Wayne tells me we've managed to get it located back in.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Watch your fingers.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40So now, it's doing what it's supposed to do.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42But the show is not over yet.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47This is no ordinary piano and Simon has a final trick up his sleeve.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54This is something somebody at work recorded earlier.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Was it you at 4:00am this morning?
0:23:56 > 0:23:58PIANO PLAYS WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Christmas at Gotham.
0:24:04 > 0:24:09The piano has a library of built-in music that it can play by itself.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15I think it's a difficult job well done. So thank you very much.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- You're welcome. Have a Merry Christmas.- Thank you. You too.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23That's a relief.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36A staggering 300,000 tonnes of card and paper are generated
0:24:36 > 0:24:40by UK households every festive season.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43That's enough to wrap around Big Ben 260,000 times.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Thankfully, a dedicated team working behind-the-scenes
0:24:47 > 0:24:50clear that rubbish, to keep our cities clean.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54But it's not just households that generate plenty of trash.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59Businesses and restaurants in our towns and cities also add to the waste.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Rubbish collectors Stuart and Alex do their bit
0:25:02 > 0:25:05to make sure Manchester scrubs up well for the festive season.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08Yes, that's cool.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10It's the busiest time of the year.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Restaurants especially, we do food and glass vehicles.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16The restaurants especially get really busy
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and then obviously the amount that we collect pretty much doubles.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23They've had a few early-morning surprises in their time.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I've moved a bin and a homeless guy has jumped out of the bin
0:25:27 > 0:25:28and gone running off.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31And you're like, yeah, I'm glad you didn't go in.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35They're out and about collecting waste from hotels and restaurants
0:25:35 > 0:25:37across the city, ready to be recycled.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40We've actually got to do a site clearance at the Hilton.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- They told you earlier?- Yeah, because it was flooded yesterday.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47The furthest one out we've got to go to is Malmaison.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Some customers over the Christmas period will phone up for extra bins,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58knowing they're going to get a rush.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Some people will just pile the bins high so the lids are up here
0:26:01 > 0:26:03and obviously we end up with a mess everywhere
0:26:03 > 0:26:06when the bins are trying to be emptied and stuff falls out.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12I'd say the most difficult thing for my job is getting into the tight alleyways
0:26:12 > 0:26:15because when people are driving their cars they don't realise
0:26:15 > 0:26:20how difficult it is to get a vehicle that size in a little alleyway.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Come on. You can move a bit more over please.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25You need somebody looking in the blind spots all the time
0:26:25 > 0:26:28because I've been turning when there's somebody on the phone
0:26:28 > 0:26:30or there's a bloke, I've not seen him for a bit,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33he'd walk around with a book in front of his face like that,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37walking around and it's just like, come on.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48On an average day I'll collect say 18 tonnes of waste.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Unless you see how much waste that is you don't actually realise
0:26:53 > 0:26:56how much there is lying around.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Whose idea was this?
0:27:00 > 0:27:05I think if we didn't do our job, the city would come to a standstill.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15It's six in the morning and these Christmas trees
0:27:15 > 0:27:19have just arrived at New Smithfield Wholesale Market in Manchester
0:27:19 > 0:27:23after a 200 mile journey from Garrocher Tree Farm in Scotland.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26It's a very good growing area where they come from.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29If I could buy all my trees from Scotland I would do.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36Keith Lowry runs a company supplying businesses with fruit and veg,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40but over the festive season Keith swaps pineapples for pine needles.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Christmas trees are only two months of the year.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49We're a catering company that runs 12 months of the year.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57You're out of condition, Martin!
0:27:57 > 0:27:59You're out of condition!
0:27:59 > 0:28:00And you are!
0:28:02 > 0:28:05I would say we're the main supplier in Manchester, yes.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07We go all over the country as well.
0:28:07 > 0:28:14We'll deliver 7,000 trees out over the next five or six days.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18In the 47 years he's been supplying Manchester with trees,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Keith has seen a change in consumer habits.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27At one time we sold double what we are selling now
0:28:27 > 0:28:30but now it's just coming back again.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32The trees went too expensive
0:28:32 > 0:28:36so people did move onto artificial trees.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40But now they're moving back to the old trees again.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44It's only once a year and it's different than an artificial one.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47You get the smell of a real Christmas tree.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55New Smithfield Market is now open for business
0:28:55 > 0:28:59and florist Anthony Cox is on the hunt for Christmas trees.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- Morning.- Morning. Anthony. Nice to meet you.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05What are you looking for today?
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I need a big 14 footer, eight footers
0:29:08 > 0:29:12and then I just need six six footers to start with
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- and then we'll go from there.- OK.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19Anthony is not only looking to pick up trees to sell on his flower stall,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22but he also needs one very special tree
0:29:22 > 0:29:24that he wants to donate to a city centre church.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29It's for the big St Ann's Church. They've got masses of room to fill.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32If we can just have a quick gander.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37This whopping 15 foot Nordmann fir that's taken 20 years to grow
0:29:37 > 0:29:40could be just what Anthony is looking for.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Put it down, I can tell you now I'll have that. We'll have that.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45I just want to see you drag it to the van.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47That would be the funniest thing.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53And when it comes to Christmas trees, size really does matter.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58Last year it was really difficult to get hold of a good tree like that.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00That's unbelievable.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03We could only get a 12 footer last year but that's 15 foot.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06St Ann's is like the first church of Manchester
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and it's the centre of Manchester as well
0:30:09 > 0:30:12so everybody goes every year to see their Christmas tree,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14so it's important we put a good one on.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18That will keep me in the good books for another year.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Anthony might be in the good books thanks to his very large donation,
0:30:21 > 0:30:24but will he be able to balance the books
0:30:24 > 0:30:26and make a profit from the other trees?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35For the last five years he's been running a flower stall
0:30:35 > 0:30:38next to St Ann's Church in Manchester.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44There has been a flower stall here since 1892.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48It was in one family for 112 years. The Fitzgeralds.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51As the new owner of the flower stall,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Anthony is keen to keep up old traditions.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59We provide the church basically because it's just the right thing to do.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02It's what we like to do and it keeps up traditions.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04It's what's always happened here.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08So we provide the tree and obviously if it's been a tradition,
0:31:08 > 0:31:13we always want it to be the biggest tree they've ever had and the best tree they've ever had.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15And this year is no exception.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Thanks to Anthony's generous donation this magnificent tree
0:31:18 > 0:31:21will take pride of place at St Ann's Church,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24once they get it through the front doors.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29But the hard work doesn't end with this enormous tree.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32The big challenge for Anthony will be to shift the other six
0:31:32 > 0:31:34six foot Christmas trees on his stall.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38And with only one in five of us opting to buy a real tree,
0:31:38 > 0:31:39this could be difficult.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45But Anthony thinks he's found the solution.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48He might be located in one of the oldest parts of the city
0:31:48 > 0:31:52but he's going to use one of the newest of technologies to drum up business.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55We try and do things slightly different.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57We almost want to keep the concept that we are a traditional
0:31:57 > 0:32:00old-school market, because that's where my upbringing was.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05That's what I've come from. So it's trying to do it in a modern way.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09We'll get it out on Facebook, straight out on Twitter
0:32:09 > 0:32:13and we'll see by the end of the day if we've sold any.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20New media might have helped to pull the punters in, but it's going
0:32:20 > 0:32:24to take a bit of old-fashioned hard sell from Anthony to seal the deal.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27That one has been out since this morning.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30That has still probably another five or six hours to rest.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35So you'll get all them to come down. That will come down a bit more.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37That's a really nice one, isn't it?
0:32:38 > 0:32:42The only reason why I pulled that out of there was I know it's the best one I've got.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46If you want that tree it can go back to our warehouse
0:32:46 > 0:32:48and I can look after it.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- It's beautiful. - It's always the way with a tree.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Once you've seen one, you never want any other one.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58I'm saying nothing but I know what tree you're going to be buying
0:32:58 > 0:33:00because you always go back to your first one.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04But perhaps it hasn't worked this time. Anthony is still confident.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I'll give her ten minutes until she's back buying that tree.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09That's why we pulled that one out.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12You know from the weight of it instantly it's the perfect tree.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15And a good market trader knows his customer.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Sold. Sorry, just sold now to that young lady over there.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24What was it? Two hours? Three hours? Two hours?
0:33:25 > 0:33:28That's not a bad start. It's been here for two hours.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33It will go on the van and within half an hour someone will be having tinsel on it.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35It will be lovely.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40This beautiful Nordmann fir that started life on the Scottish hillside
0:33:40 > 0:33:44will now end its journey in a Manchester living room,
0:33:44 > 0:33:49where it will be decorated and enjoyed throughout the Christmas celebrations.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52It's good. It means I can get up now in the morning and buy some more
0:33:52 > 0:33:56and get them out tomorrow because we'll sell a lot of trees, fingers crossed.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58So yeah, it's good.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15For many of us, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a drink.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17In fact, during December
0:34:17 > 0:34:23we Brits spend a staggering £2.3 billion on booze alone.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26As Christmas kicks off, millions of us will be enjoying ourselves
0:34:26 > 0:34:29by partying in city centres up and down the country.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32And although most of us will be enjoying ourselves responsibly,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35there are some who will take it to excess.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38And when that happens it puts a massive amount of strain
0:34:38 > 0:34:40on the emergency services.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43So who do they turn to when they need an extra bit of help?
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Manchester Street Angels is a voluntary organisation
0:34:49 > 0:34:51who patrol the city centre streets.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Similar initiatives operate all over the country.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58They help people who have found themselves in trouble during a night out.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02By day, Andy Poyser works in accounts.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05By night, he patrols the streets of Manchester.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07Andy, this is it,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10you're about to go out on your first patrol of the night.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11You're going to let me come with you.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13What are you expecting to find tonight?
0:35:13 > 0:35:16We're going to see some people that maybe have already started
0:35:16 > 0:35:18drinking, had too much to drink, we're going to help them out,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21we're going to look out for people that are on their own,
0:35:21 > 0:35:22that are lost or vulnerable.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24But the first step tonight is actually a briefing
0:35:24 > 0:35:27with the police, who you obviously work quite closely with.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- What's that going to involve? - Yeah, basically, we attend
0:35:29 > 0:35:32the police briefing before we go out each night and they'll
0:35:32 > 0:35:34tell us anything, any major events, that are happening
0:35:34 > 0:35:37in the city centre, anything to look out for in particular.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39And the briefing's happening shortly? So, let's go.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41Sure. We need to go.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47The volunteers work very closely with Greater Manchester Police.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Inspector Christopher Hadfield is in charge
0:35:49 > 0:35:52of policing the city's streets tonight.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Right, evening everyone, OK,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59for those who have done it before and haven't, Zone One staff,
0:35:59 > 0:36:02that's the Northern Quarter, The Printworks and Deansgate.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06Zone Two, the Locks, Peter Street and Castlefield
0:36:06 > 0:36:09and Zone Three is the village, Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11OK, what events have we got on tonight?
0:36:11 > 0:36:13We've got the Warehouse Project at Store Street,
0:36:13 > 0:36:151,800 capacity dance venue,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18as we say, we've got four officers deployed to that already.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19Billy Connolly is performing,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22that finishes at 11 o'clock. England and Scotland...
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Anyone got the final score on that? - 3-0.- 3-0. So that's OK.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28We've got the Manchester Street Angels, welcome.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31You guys have had First Aid and conflict training.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Manchester Street Angels is a charity that was set up following
0:36:33 > 0:36:36the death of Adam Pickup, a young lad from Bramhall
0:36:36 > 0:36:38who went out one night,
0:36:38 > 0:36:40sadly, with a group of friends and didn't come home.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42On the back of that,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46lots of people got together and as a movement of people they decided to
0:36:46 > 0:36:49do something to try and help other people that may be in that position.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51All the Manchester Street Angels are volunteers.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53They all give their time freely.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56We all have the common aim of helping people to get home
0:36:56 > 0:36:58safely after having a night out in Manchester.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00So Andy, we've just had the briefing.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Quite a lot of information there to take in.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Yeah, there's a lot of information and obviously, this weekend
0:37:05 > 0:37:07is the first weekend of the Christmas markets
0:37:07 > 0:37:09so there's a lot more people coming into Manchester.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12And we also heard from the inspector that was giving the briefing there
0:37:12 > 0:37:14how the officers were already stretched going out to calls
0:37:14 > 0:37:17all over the place before the briefing had even started,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20so to know that he's got you on the ground, you and your team as an
0:37:20 > 0:37:24extra pair of eyes and ears must really be a good thing for the police.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Yeah, we work very closely with the police.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29We work alongside them so we're there for their eyes and ears
0:37:29 > 0:37:30a lot of the time, really.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33OK, well, the briefing's done so let's get on with it, Andy.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- I'm in your hands. - Thank you. OK, this way.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Here in Manchester, there are over 2,000 licensed premises.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43That's a pretty big pub crawl. And with the Christmas market
0:37:43 > 0:37:47bringing in the crowds we could be in for a busy night.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52So, just already coming out, do you get the feel that it is
0:37:52 > 0:37:56a little bit busier now that it is coming into the festive season?
0:37:56 > 0:37:58You can immediately see as we're walking out that there's two
0:37:58 > 0:38:01lines of cars which are not usually in place.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03We've got groups of people over here on the right-hand side
0:38:03 > 0:38:05that are congregating near a cash machine.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Immediately, we can see more people on the street
0:38:07 > 0:38:09than what we usually see.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Alcohol-related situations account for much of the work they do.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18And in a city of busy roads, the dangers are everywhere.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Some of the... The speed that some people are driving down here,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24it's all a bit of bravado and showing off, I'm sure, but if
0:38:24 > 0:38:27someone has had too much to drink and they're staggering
0:38:27 > 0:38:29across the road, that could be serious.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Really serious. This potential for people staggering off the curb...
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- Yeah, it happens, doesn't it? - It happens, yes, it happens.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Within 30 minutes of patrolling the streets, the Angels
0:38:40 > 0:38:42get their first call for help.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Someone who's fallen over getting into a taxi here.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46- Right.- The ambulance has already been called.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Had the ambulance not been here, this is something that you would...
0:38:49 > 0:38:52We would definitely have picked this up here. We would definitely have
0:38:52 > 0:38:56helped that person. Given them initial First Aid and called an ambulance straight away for them.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59The volunteers come from all walks of life and have all sorts of
0:38:59 > 0:39:03reasons for giving up their evenings to look out for others.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06But for Andy, it's personal.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Why did you become a Street Angel?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11A younger colleague of mine had too much to drink.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15He was in a bad way and because he'd been sick and there was lots
0:39:15 > 0:39:18of people that were just walking past him and weren't looking
0:39:18 > 0:39:21after him so I started off by getting him...
0:39:21 > 0:39:23by helping him really and getting him,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26making sure that you know, he was in a safe...
0:39:26 > 0:39:27- safe enough to get home.- Right.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31It's so reassuring to know for loved ones that there's
0:39:31 > 0:39:33somebody there that at least will be looking out for them.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Team, we're going to turn right at these lights, so,
0:39:38 > 0:39:42we've got a guy just on the right-hand side here, guys. OK.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45This gentleman, if you want to just check he's all right.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48What made you think he needs looking after?
0:39:48 > 0:39:51So, basically, he was bent over facing the ground.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54He looked like he was unsteady on his feet,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56he was leaning against the wall...
0:39:56 > 0:39:58From the position he was in, it looked like he could have
0:39:58 > 0:40:00possibly been sick, he might have been unwell,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03he could have been attacked, it could have been anything, couldn't it,
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- from a distance?- We don't know until we approach them. So that's why we're there.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09But you can see, he's having a bit of a laugh and a joke with your team.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11So, what will do now is I'll probably call the team back
0:40:11 > 0:40:13and we'll move on.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16I reckon just cross over, we'll just...
0:40:16 > 0:40:18There's a nightclub just on the right, the next one,
0:40:18 > 0:40:20just have a quick look at 42s.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Thankfully, it's been a quiet night for the volunteers
0:40:23 > 0:40:26but the countdown to Christmas is only just beginning.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29So, Andy, we're just finishing the shift now. Although there was
0:40:29 > 0:40:32lots of people out and about, in your terms,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- you think this was a quiet shift? - Very quiet shift, really.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36We're really there to reassure people
0:40:36 > 0:40:38and smile and laugh and joke with people.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40We want people to enjoy themselves,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43we want people to get home safely and tonight it's a job well done.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Well, it's a cold night, it's Christmas, I think it's time
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- to get the kettle on, don't you? - Fantastic. Let's go, let's go, team.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Andy's just said he's going to make everyone a cup of tea.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53ANGELS CHEER AND LAUGH
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Thanks, Andy!
0:41:04 > 0:41:08After weeks of hard work, Gotham Hotel is adding the final
0:41:08 > 0:41:10touches to their Christmas preparations.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Two nutcracker statues take pride of place outside the hotel.
0:41:19 > 0:41:25Inside, the piece de resistance is their £15,000 baby grand piano.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28The piano's in place, the wines are ready,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31the decorations are in place, toy soldiers are outside.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33So, hopefully,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36fingers crossed, tonight is the night when it all comes together.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Tonight, Mario, the hotel manager, will be hosting
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Gotham's first Christmas party.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48And he's invited a VIP guest to the celebrations.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Local businessman, Simon Loat.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Hi, it's my favourite piano man, good evening,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00you all right? Good to see you, Simon, welcome back.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04- Thank you very much.- Shall we... - Looking forward to seeing the piano. - Yeah, let's have a quick look.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Simon owns an independent music shop in the heart of the city
0:42:08 > 0:42:10and has supplied the expensive piano
0:42:10 > 0:42:12for their Christmas festivities.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Yes, the Christmas has officially arrived.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Our first Christmas party is this evening.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Yes, tonight is going to be an exceptional night, I think.- Yes.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Mario is hoping that it was money well spent, but will this beautiful
0:42:28 > 0:42:32instrument hit the right note with the hotel's discerning clientele?
0:42:32 > 0:42:34It's lovely that they've got a nice grand piano
0:42:34 > 0:42:37playing nice Christmas music, great ambience for a nice dinner.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42It was lovely to see Mario so happy with the piano.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45The piano fitting in perfectly with his Christmas decorations.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48The fact that he's using it by itself and with the pianist,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51I think he's getting the most benefit out of it.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54So yeah, he's happy, I'm happy.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Well, what a lovely show today has been and it's been great to see
0:43:04 > 0:43:07you out with a bunch of volunteers, doing so much at this time of year.
0:43:07 > 0:43:08Yeah, the Street Angels were great,
0:43:08 > 0:43:11giving up so much of their time and tomorrow I'm out with another
0:43:11 > 0:43:14group of people whose aim is to keep us all safe - the police -
0:43:14 > 0:43:17as I patrol with them the busy Christmas city centre.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20And we'll be joining the pupils of St Trinity's high school as they
0:43:20 > 0:43:23prepare for the Christmas carol service where they're blessing
0:43:23 > 0:43:26the Manchester crib at St Ann's Church.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28- So, we'll see you then. - See you then.