0:00:02 > 0:00:03It's that magical time of year.
0:00:03 > 0:00:04It'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 > 0:00:11They are buying presents, eating and drinking,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13and generally making merry.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15But, as we know, Christmas is a major undertaking
0:00:15 > 0:00:19that takes planning, organisation, and a lot of hard work,
0:00:19 > 0:00:21but, for some people, it can be a pretty challenging
0:00:21 > 0:00:22time of the year too.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Hold it, hold it. Now.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25I hate it when things like this happen,
0:00:25 > 0:00:28because you want it to run smoothly.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31We are 7,000 covers short of our target.
0:00:32 > 0:00:33Sorry, I knew that would happen.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36So we are in the heart of Britain's biggest Christmas market
0:00:36 > 0:00:38in Manchester to show you just what it takes
0:00:38 > 0:00:40to get that festive season on track.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Just get this lady going, yeah.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46We've got a guy just on the right-hand side here, guys.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Do you just want to check he's all right?
0:00:48 > 0:00:52If we didn't do our jobs, the city would come to a standstill.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55We will be meeting stallholders, police officers and organisers
0:00:55 > 0:00:57who all work tirelessly behind the scenes
0:00:57 > 0:01:01to make this special time of year safe and joyful for us all.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- We're almost ready.- I feel a little bit like Father Christmas.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08BOTH: Welcome to Christmas City.
0:01:08 > 0:01:09Christmas has arrived.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23On today's show, I'll be finding out what it takes
0:01:23 > 0:01:26to keep ahead of the competition in the competitive world
0:01:26 > 0:01:27of Christmas catering.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Two corned beef hash cake, one smoked salmon,
0:01:30 > 0:01:32one black pudding, no egg.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34And will be joining the pupils of Trinity High School
0:01:34 > 0:01:36as they prepare for their carol service,
0:01:36 > 0:01:37where they are blessing
0:01:37 > 0:01:39the Christmas crib at St Ann's Church.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42We have got our wonderful Christmas crib.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Isn't that amazing?
0:01:44 > 0:01:46And I'll be out with the police as they patrol the busy streets
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and the Christmas shopping areas.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Christmas is a time when most people get out and enjoy themselves,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56tucking into the mulled wine and sugary treats,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59hitting the shops for those festive family gifts,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01enjoying a meal out with friends.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04But for 30 million Christians in this country,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07this is also the most important religious event of the year.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11St Ann's Church has been at the heart of religion in Manchester
0:02:11 > 0:02:13for over 300 years.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22It's at the very centre of the town, and when it first opened its doors,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Manchester was becoming the world's first industrial city.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32This is St Ann's, and this was built in a field in 1712,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36and the whole city really grew up around St Ann's Church.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Rector Nigel Ashworth has been at the helm for the past eight years.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44The coming of Jesus Christ tells us
0:02:44 > 0:02:48that the kingdom is about sacrificial love.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Now, his countdown to Christmas has begun.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Everybody, I want you to really celebrate today.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01I'm looking for big smiles on your faces and joyful hearts, is that OK?
0:03:01 > 0:03:05And for Nigel, one of the main events is the arrival of the crib,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09or nativity scene, which sits outside of the church.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13We are looking at having it just here.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Lots of people will be able to see it,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and when we gather round it and sing carols and things,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20which happens a few times,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22then there's going to be a bit of space.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24But what we do, we fill the whole street,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and if there is any traffic...
0:03:26 > 0:03:27it's just got to wait.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Being surrounded by the market
0:03:31 > 0:03:34brings one particular headache for Nigel.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36It's a singing Christmas tree.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39This is where the singing tree goes.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42And the singing tree is not a real tree.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43Real trees don't sing.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48It's a tree you can put money in, it sings schmaltzy songs.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50I'm sorry to say, there have been several times
0:03:50 > 0:03:52I've said to my congregation,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56"If anyone wants to go out with an axe and chop the tree down,
0:03:56 > 0:03:57"I won't mind."
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Hearing those same four carols for six weeks,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05you just want to knock the tree down.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09One year, the tree got blown over.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11And we weren't sorry.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15But something which is music to his ears
0:04:15 > 0:04:17is the choir from a local school
0:04:17 > 0:04:21who perform at St Ann's Advent Service.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Every year at the beginning of December,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25we have a carol service with
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Trinity Church of England High School.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30And it's just fantastic, because we get people in,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33maybe people just passing by, come and join in
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and they experience something they'd not experienced,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38and it's lovely.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And over at Trinity High School, rehearsals are getting underway.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Heather Brown is head of music.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50OK, can we have some focus now, please, everybody?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52They have a close relationship with St Ann's
0:04:52 > 0:04:56and the Advent service is an opportunity for the school choir
0:04:56 > 0:04:58to take centre stage.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It's just three weeks now until our service at St Ann's,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03so we've got a lot of work to do today.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05We meet once a week in here
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and there will be about 36 children arriving
0:05:08 > 0:05:10to sing some of our Christmas music.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13We are going to perform three pieces, rehearse three pieces today.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18The first piece we're going to do is called Lift Up Your Voice, Alleluia.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Can you find that piece in your folder, please?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22This is a really nice piece of music.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25It's our anthem, it opens the service.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30We need to fill St Ann's Church with glorious sound for this piece.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31The school is very busy.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34We sort of bounce along from activity to activity,
0:05:34 > 0:05:35lesson to lesson.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And the opportunity to go to St Ann's,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40which is such a calm, peaceful place,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42right in the heart of the city,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46despite all of the hubbub of what's going on outside,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48it just gives us a really nice opportunity
0:05:48 > 0:05:50to go and be together as a choir.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Now start to sing. After four. Breathe now.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59One, two, three, four.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03# Lift up your voice, alleluia
0:06:03 > 0:06:06# Raise your song to the glorious sky... #
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Three weeks until the performance to go,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10so three more full rehearsals,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and some opportunities to work on sections in the students' lunchtime.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17They come quite freely to work on their parts.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24# Sing, alleluia
0:06:24 > 0:06:28# Raise your song to the glorious sky... #
0:06:28 > 0:06:31And the choir, along with trumpet player Charlotte,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33are hoping this hard work will really pay off
0:06:33 > 0:06:37by the time of the St Ann's performance in December.
0:06:37 > 0:06:44What moves me about the Trinity service is that, you know,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48the students have put a lot of time and effort and love, really,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51into getting the music and the readings right.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55And doing it outside of their usual, in-the-school kind of context,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57that means something.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And parents can come and share in it,
0:07:00 > 0:07:01and it's not in the school.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06It's in a big, kind of, what people think of as a grand public place
0:07:06 > 0:07:07and it's just exciting.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18We'll be spending around £24 billion
0:07:18 > 0:07:20in the shops over this festive period,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23and whilst we will be concentrating on our Christmas lists,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27criminals will be concentrating on our bags and wallets.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29Here in Manchester,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Inspector Phil Spurgeon and PC Andrew Costello
0:07:32 > 0:07:35are out and about, on the lookout for villains hoping to cash in
0:07:35 > 0:07:38on the Christmas spending surge,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41but also offering members of the public a few simple tips
0:07:41 > 0:07:44on how to keep their possessions safe over the festive season.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45Can I give you one of these?
0:07:45 > 0:07:48It's a dead simple stop.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49I joined them on patrol.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51As a former officer myself,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53it's great to see the police in action.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Lots of people will drive to Manchester.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58They'll be walking round with shopping bags,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01some from quite expensive stores,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and we know that our thieves will be looking out for people
0:08:04 > 0:08:06taking those bags back to their cars,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10leaving them in their cars and then perhaps going for something to eat.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Phil's just having a look in the parked vehicles
0:08:12 > 0:08:15to see if anyone's left anything obvious on display
0:08:15 > 0:08:18that could be of interest to any criminals.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25So, this is exactly what you're talking about,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28that there's a number of parcels that's left here.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30You don't know what they are, I don't know what they are,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32a criminal probably wouldn't know what they are,
0:08:32 > 0:08:33but they would look very tempting.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36If I was a thief, this is the one I'm going to try,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39because it's clearly got something that's got some value.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Unfortunately, we can't have a discussion with the owner,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44so we'll leave them one of our leaflets
0:08:44 > 0:08:46with some basic crime prevention advice.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It's a big car, it's got a huge boot,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50surely you could put those boxes away,
0:08:50 > 0:08:51out of sight, out of mind,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55but this is the sort of thing that criminals are very tempted by.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Next, eagle-eyed Inspector Spurgeon spots a driver
0:08:59 > 0:09:02potentially about to leave his valuables in his car.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05As he parks up, see what he does with his satnav.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Does it go in the glove box,
0:09:07 > 0:09:11or is he going to be good and take it with him?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14OK, so that's gone straight in the central console.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Let's have a quick chat with him when he jumps out.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- Have you got a second? - Yeah, of course I have, yeah.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- We're doing some work today on crime prevention.- Oh, right, OK.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26And I was just waiting to see what you did with your satnav.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Ah, right.- Am I right, you've put it in your central console?- Yeah.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31And you've left a big round sticker...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33In fact, you've left the holder on your window, haven't you?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Telling everyone where it is. - That's a big advert.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Listen, do me a favour, take one of these.- Yeah.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Just get in the habit of taking your valuable stuff from your car.- Yeah.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43All right, you take care.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Our thieves are out, constantly scanning,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49looking for little opportunities like that.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52So our advice is, let's not make it easy for them.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Last year in Manchester, there were 671 house burglaries
0:09:57 > 0:09:58in the city centre.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01With more people living there than ever,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03there are more opportunities for criminals.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08We just walk through this estate, make sure that the gates are closed,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10if people have got open windows,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13that they're in and that people can't reach through.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15It's just checking that all the measures
0:10:15 > 0:10:18that have been put into place are still effective.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20So when the gates are here, you want to see the gates shut,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22you don't want to see them wide open,
0:10:22 > 0:10:23because there's no point having them.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26So, this is what you do want to see, this sort of thing.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28And we think if the residents see us doing that checking,
0:10:28 > 0:10:32it's just a little nudge for them to do it when we're not here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Again, this has been jammed open.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35Maybe that's a shortcut,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37maybe that's someone who wants to come back later.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41So we'll take that out, make sure it's closed for the residents.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47I think, even now, you can begin to see which ones
0:10:47 > 0:10:50have got people in and which ones haven't.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54So little things like lights on, lights on timer switches,
0:10:54 > 0:10:58can make a big difference to whether someone targets your house
0:10:58 > 0:11:00or somebody else's.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05And at this particular address, there's a glaringly obvious problem.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07The owner has left a note on their door,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11advertising the fact to potential burglars that they're out.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Just leave them one of our burglary leaflets,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20telling them we've been.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21- Is this yours?- Yeah.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The only thing I'm going to say...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27You leave a note on that says, "Be back whatever-o-clock..."
0:11:27 > 0:11:30I know, it's the first time I've ever done it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Someone who comes to your door would see it...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Yeah, you're right.- Someone walking past, who's up to no good...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Yeah.- It just singles out yours.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Well, I won't be doing it again.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43All right.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45If you've saved all year for presents
0:11:45 > 0:11:48and they're under your tree and someone breaks in,
0:11:48 > 0:11:50that has a devastating impact.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53And later, I'm going to be joining up with Phil and Andrew again
0:11:53 > 0:11:56to check out their surprising strategy
0:11:56 > 0:11:58to keep shoppers' valuables safe.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Christmas is a time for traditions,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09and one of the oldest is gathering the family together
0:12:09 > 0:12:11for a festive feast.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Nearly three-quarters of us will head out to a bar or restaurant
0:12:14 > 0:12:16in the run-up to the big day,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18so it's a make-or-break time of the year
0:12:18 > 0:12:20for many in the catering trade.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22In Manchester, one chain of restaurants
0:12:22 > 0:12:26has been feeding Mancunians for the last 150 years,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28and this year is no exception.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35The events manager of the Chop House restaurants, Lawrence Hallows,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38is bracing himself for the festive rush.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Christmas is the busiest month of the year.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44It's absolutely chocka.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46With my job, it's...have I maximised it?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Have I got 100 bums on seats, six times a day?
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Chop houses are a great British tradition
0:12:53 > 0:12:55that date back hundreds of years.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Originally, they were men-only establishments,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02where businessmen gathered to hatch deals over meals.
0:13:02 > 0:13:09Mr Thomas's first opened in 1870 and Sam's in 1872.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11The most recent addition to the chain
0:13:11 > 0:13:15is the Albert Square Chop House, located in the heart of the city.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18But for it to survive as long as the others,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20it needs to have a bumper Christmas this year.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Your Christmas calendars on your computer,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25you don't stop looking at it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28You're checking new bookings, restaurant bookings, enquiries.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31That's fine, and if I send you the menu over,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33are you able to get dietary requirements
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and special dietary requests to me ten days before?
0:13:36 > 0:13:40'You've got to imagine a company are sending a Christmas enquiry out
0:13:40 > 0:13:44'and they're sending it to 5, 10, 15 restaurants in Manchester.'
0:13:44 > 0:13:48So if we wait a day to respond to that enquiry,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51then nine other restaurants have got in there before us.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52Take care, bye now, bye.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57After a challenging time on the high street,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00the restaurants are hoping to end the year on a high.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02In the six weeks leading up to Christmas,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05the chain aims to serve four times as many people
0:14:05 > 0:14:08as they would at any other time of the year.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13Last year over the Christmas period, we hit 23,500 covers.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17This year, over the six-week period, we're aiming for 27,000.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19And the way it stands right now...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24..nowhere near 27,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29We are 7,000 covers short of our target for Christmas.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34You're always trying to beat last year,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36so you've got last year's figures
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and you've got the year-before figures,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40and you're only as good as your last Christmas.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44So this year, if we don't beat last year, then...
0:14:45 > 0:14:48You've not failed, but you've...
0:14:51 > 0:14:53It's not very good, is it?
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Lawrence needs to get a lot of bums on seats,
0:14:56 > 0:15:01but he's got a secret weapon - new chef Carl Fraenkl-Rietti.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04The menu's simple, but I think the ethos here is quite simple.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05I'm new here, only here for two weeks,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07but good wholesome British food
0:15:07 > 0:15:10is more deliverable to the public, I think.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13And what a time to start, because literally, in a couple of weeks,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16you're going to see Albert's at its busiest ever time.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18It's hitting the ground running, it definitely is.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21It's not an easy task, but it's one I think we can achieve.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23It is pressure, it's always pressure,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25but it's a good kind of pressure.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29But it seems that Carl isn't a man to run away from pressure.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32He's already planning a major overhaul of the Christmas menu,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35with one signature dish which strays a long way
0:15:35 > 0:15:38from the traditional festive flavours.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- I think the curried mutton's going to be a really good seller.- Yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Because everyone gets bored of turkey over Christmas.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45I do, anyway, you know,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47so that's going to be something a little bit quirky,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49a little bit different for them.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Carl's not a man to follow the herd,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54but with just eight days until the launch of the Christmas menu,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56let's hope he doesn't end up eating his words!
0:16:08 > 0:16:124.3 million crimes were committed last year in the UK.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16For the first time in a decade, the national crime rate is rising,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18and Christmas shoppers are prime targets
0:16:18 > 0:16:21for city centre criminals across the country.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Inspector Phil Spurgeon and PC Andrew Costello
0:16:24 > 0:16:26of the Greater Manchester Police
0:16:26 > 0:16:29are on a mission to stop the pickpockets on their patch.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31What are the main issues you find at Christmas,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33when policing in this area?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Well, when the city's so busy,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39we find that we have problems with opportunistic thieves.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41They're looking to take people's phones, or purses,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44or handbags, and we need to work very hard to stop that.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50So officers hit the streets to tell shoppers
0:16:50 > 0:16:54how to keep their valuables safe over the festive period.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Andy and Phil are going to try a little crime prevention tip now.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00They're going to put one of their leaflets into someone's bag
0:17:00 > 0:17:01without them knowing,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04because they say if they can put one of these in someone's bag,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07a thief could quite easily take something out.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09We're just doing a bit of crime prevention work
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- in the run-up to Christmas.- Right...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Today is about people not having stuff nicked out of their bags.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16If I could get something into your bag,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- do you think I could get something out?- Yeah.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22So, just have a quick look in bag for me.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24So as I say, it's not to embarrass you,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26but it's just to show you how easy it is.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Have a quick look for me.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32This is just about making it really difficult for thieves.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I know already you've got some headphones in there
0:17:35 > 0:17:37and a purse, I saw that, sneaking up behind you,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40and I'm 6' 1" in a bright yellow jacket.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41- Yeah.- We get a couple every day,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44but that's a couple of people who've had their trip to Manchester spoilt
0:17:44 > 0:17:45- and I don't want it to be you.- OK.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48You have got a massive, long zip on the bag.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- I know.- My advice for you, keep it done up, all right?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- Yeah.- How do you feel about having that in your bag,
0:17:53 > 0:17:54that you didn't know about?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Quite terrifying, at this time of year, anyway.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Now that you've found that in your bag,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01that a big burly cop in a bright yellow jacket's put in
0:18:01 > 0:18:02and you didn't even realise,
0:18:02 > 0:18:04are you going to be a little bit more wary?
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Yeah, probably a bit more tighter,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09and probably won't be in and out of town like I am, so...
0:18:09 > 0:18:13How do you feel, that you've just had something put in your bag by a stranger?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I get told off by my mum every single day for it,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18so I'm not surprised - if she sees this,
0:18:18 > 0:18:19she'll probably say the same thing.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Is there a way you can keep that bag more secure?
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Yeah, it just clips over.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24So it's that easy, why haven't you done it?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27I know, I just never thought!
0:18:27 > 0:18:30If you have a traditional crime prevention conversation with them
0:18:30 > 0:18:33while they're shopping or looking for something to eat,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36it probably goes in one ear and out the other.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38We try and, without embarrassing them,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41show them how easy it would be to get a hand in your pocket.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46At this time of year amongst the Christmas shopping crowds,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49it's not just light fingers you have to be wary of -
0:18:49 > 0:18:51it's prying eyes,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54particularly when you're accessing the cash in your bank account
0:18:54 > 0:18:57with a four-digit pin code.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58The guys are now looking at ATMs.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02This is a big problem because people aren't shielding their PIN numbers
0:19:02 > 0:19:05or aware of who's behind them when they're taking out their cash.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07We're just doing some crime prevention work
0:19:07 > 0:19:08in the run-up to Christmas.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11One thing we're doing is around people being switched on
0:19:11 > 0:19:12when they're taking money out.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15Can I have a guess at your PIN number?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I'll whisper it, don't worry. I think it's something like...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Yeah.- Is that pretty close?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Now if I'm stood behind you in a yellow jacket,
0:19:22 > 0:19:23and I'm 6' 1" and I've got a film crew,
0:19:23 > 0:19:28how easy is it going to be for a thief to get your PIN number?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Then they'll try and get hold of your card
0:19:30 > 0:19:32and then they'll absolutely spank your account.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34Take one of our crime prevention leaflets.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Thank you. - Just be a little bit discreet.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Pretty easy for you. - Yeah, and this is daytime.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43We'll find, you know, of an evening, people have had one or two drinks,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46they're probably even less aware of what's going on around them.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50So our advice is, let's make it really difficult,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54shield that PIN number, and let's not make it easy.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59What I've taken away from all this is it's all pretty simple stuff
0:19:59 > 0:20:00that you're telling people to do,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04to just stop making themselves an easy target, really.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07You're right, none of this is rocket science.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09And all those people could have
0:20:09 > 0:20:11thought of those things for themselves.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15What we're saying is think now about what you can do
0:20:15 > 0:20:18to stop yourself becoming a victim rather than after it happens.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Christmas has come to St Ann's Church.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35The markets bring people in, that's the main thing,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38and, despite sometimes gloomy weather,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40smiling and enjoying themselves.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44But rector Nigel Ashworth's nightmare neighbour has arrived.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Oh, goodness, I've made it work!
0:20:55 > 0:20:58That's awful!
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Ghastly.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04It belongs to a German bar.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06What can you say?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09And in the past, their own live music,
0:21:09 > 0:21:10as well as the singing tree,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13has even drowned out the church choir.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Owner Anja and Nigel have had their moments in the past.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It did go wrong one year when we had a carol service
0:21:23 > 0:21:27and she had a rock band playing at the same time.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29I went out with the choir at the end of that service,
0:21:29 > 0:21:33the choir wearing robes, and I said, "This isn't on."
0:21:33 > 0:21:35They were very suitably mortified.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41So today, Nigel is off to compare diaries with Anja
0:21:41 > 0:21:43to make sure there are no repeat performances
0:21:43 > 0:21:46when the Trinity High School Choir arrive.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Hello, gorgeous one.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Hello, Nigel, pleasure seeing you.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Well, this just sets it all out for you.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56That's basically a list.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59I spoke to some of your jazz musicians as well
0:21:59 > 0:22:01because they told me at what times they were playing.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03And they were playing yesterday
0:22:03 > 0:22:05and they will be playing next Saturday again.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Yeah, they're not jazz, they're major classical musicians.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I just thought they were the jazz people.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13It's Handel's Messiah.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15That is not jazz.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19We will take care as good as we can that the tree is not singing
0:22:19 > 0:22:22too loud during your things.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24That would be lovely.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26The Advent service is now only days away,
0:22:26 > 0:22:31and, with Anja on board, Nigel is off to inspect the crib.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So you've got the wooden house it's in,
0:22:33 > 0:22:36which is representing of the stable.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It's now in prime position outside of St Ann's
0:22:39 > 0:22:41in readiness for the blessing,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44which is a central part of the Advent service.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48You've got all the straw and, of course, the figures themselves.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52There's Mary, the Christ Child.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55You've got the shepherds and kings and Joseph with his lantern.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57It's kind of wonderful, isn't it?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59It's innocent.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It's a pure and innocent thing.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07On Friday, we've got Trinity Church of England High School,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10carols in the church.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13The school will come and they're going to bring instrumentalists
0:23:13 > 0:23:16and we'll have lots of carols and all the rest.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19And then we're going to gather all around here
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and then we're going to have the dedication of this crib,
0:23:22 > 0:23:23and we do this every year.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26And everyone loves it.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32With expectations running high for their performance,
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Trinity High School Choir is back in the rehearsal room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38It's their last chance to get themselves pitch perfect
0:23:38 > 0:23:40for their big day.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44Keep the volume going right the way through the word, OK?
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Head of music Heather Brown is hoping they'll hit
0:23:46 > 0:23:48all the right notes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51It's the final week of our rehearsals this week
0:23:51 > 0:23:52in preparation for the service,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55so there's lots of anticipation for the rehearsal,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57but hopefully the students will all be ready
0:23:57 > 0:24:01and remember what we have taught them over the last few weeks.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05# Mary, did you know
0:24:05 > 0:24:08# That your baby boy...? #
0:24:08 > 0:24:11There's definitely more energy as we get towards the performance.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15The students will be wanting to see how I respond to them as well
0:24:15 > 0:24:18and see if I'm going to put a little bit more pressure on them,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20which, inevitably, I do put more pressure on them
0:24:20 > 0:24:22as we get closer to the performance.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25It's just making sure everybody is prepared.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30# With me. #
0:24:41 > 0:24:45The Christmas markets can attract around 100,000 visitors
0:24:45 > 0:24:49and sightseers per day, and while the hotels are booked to capacity
0:24:49 > 0:24:51and the streets are heaving with shoppers,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55it also means lots of people trying to find their way around,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and getting ready to greet them today
0:24:57 > 0:25:00are a crack team of six Mancunian masterminds.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02The markets are in full swing when they're fully open.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Please make sure we have plenty of these with us.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06They're going out very fast.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Funded by Manchester businesses,
0:25:09 > 0:25:13the city centre hosts aid, advise and assist the visitors.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Lots of people are asking where the ice rinks are,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17but today, the big one is Santa's grotto.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Have they got one at House Of Fraser?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21We've not been told they have, but, again,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23we can probably try and check that out.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26That's it for this morning.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Let's get ourselves out there and just concentrate on helping people.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34Wigan lad Jason Cummings has been sharing his knowledge of the city
0:25:34 > 0:25:36professionally for the last two years.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Just turn right here.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Walk down to where the Corn Exchange is
0:25:42 > 0:25:43and all the restaurants.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47You'll see all the markets there. Just up there.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I have got a massive hat collection at home,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52so I kind of like wearing hats.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Wrap up warm, drink loads of coffee and smile,
0:25:56 > 0:25:57that's how I do it.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Every day is different.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Straight down to the bottom, turn left onto Deansgate.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Over the years, he's seen it all.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I had one guy and he came walking down to me
0:26:09 > 0:26:10while I was up near the Arndale,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and he asked me if I could direct him to Milton Keynes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:19I says, "Milton Keynes? I think you've got off in the wrong city.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22"It's miles away, like. And I like to walk,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24"but you have no chance of walking to Milton Keynes from here."
0:26:24 > 0:26:26You'll see it on the right-hand side.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- Thank you very much. - You're welcome, mate.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31You'll get people asking for places like Ann Summers.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Then they'll go into more detail about what they're looking for.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I think sometimes they do it to try to embarrass you.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Them markets will lead you right up to the town hall
0:26:40 > 0:26:42where the big Santa is and all that.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46You just smile and tell them where the shop is, like.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Civic pride comes with the territory when you're a city centre host.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52And if there's a bin bag out of place,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Jason is not happy about it.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57We're keeping an eye on how much rubbish is there,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00when it's getting removed and stuff like that.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I'll take a few pictures of it now, send it to the other guys,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05and then we'll just keep an eye on it,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07so if it's still like this later on today,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09then it will need reporting
0:27:09 > 0:27:11because, really, it should be cleaned up
0:27:11 > 0:27:14at some point in the afternoon.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16And to fight the cold on his city walks,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Jason has his very own winter warmer.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24I just sing a few songs in my head. A bit of Motorhead, a bit of Oasis.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27A bit of Guns N Roses, I just sing them in me head.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I don't sing out loud because I don't want people hearing me.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33They'll lead you up to the main Albert Square
0:27:33 > 0:27:34where the big Santa is and all that.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38It does get you through some of the bad days, like.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40That's just my way of dealing with it.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Jason makes one last check on the litter he spotted earlier...
0:27:44 > 0:27:45It has been cleared up.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49..before heading home to put his feet up.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51That's end of my day now.
0:27:51 > 0:27:52It's been a nice, busy day.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Lots of nice people buzzing about even though there's a spot of rain.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57Time for me to go.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00A drop of Jack Daniel's, a quick beer, and I'm off.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01See you laters.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08In towns and cities across the UK,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11excitement is building ahead of the big Christmas lights switch-on.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15It's a time when local authorities have traditionally spent big,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19forking out thousands on reality TV stars
0:28:19 > 0:28:23and chart-topping groups in a bid to draw the crowds.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26But here in the Greater Manchester borough of Tameside,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28as in many other parts of the country,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31shrinking budgets are forcing the council
0:28:31 > 0:28:36to adopt a more creative approach to kicking off the festive season.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39And when it comes to throwing a party, Ben Irwin...
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Thank you very much.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42..is the council's man.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49This is the final workshop of 36 public workshops
0:28:49 > 0:28:51and group workshops that we've had,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53and it is all for We Shine Bright Together.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56It's a lantern parade, which are very popular, currently.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59It's about bringing the community together.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Today, Ben has enlisted the help of this local Scout troop.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Then just put a piece of tape around it so we've got a handle.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09The children are making paper lanterns,
0:29:09 > 0:29:14which they, alongside hundreds of others, will carry in the parade.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16We'll get you three big pieces.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Has everyone got...? Can you help William with that?
0:29:18 > 0:29:20On a gloomy winter evening,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23the lanterns are already brightening spirits.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27I think the lantern parade kind of feels like the start of Christmas
0:29:27 > 0:29:29because it's a festive celebration.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33It's the eve of the parade
0:29:33 > 0:29:38and Ben is giving some of his fellow council employees a final briefing.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40I know that everyone is incredibly busy,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43so I really appreciate you giving up the time this afternoon.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46This section of Katherine Street will be open.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48A big crowd is expected,
0:29:48 > 0:29:50and it's not just the Manchester weather
0:29:50 > 0:29:52that could dampen their enthusiasm.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55What we are very aware of is what tends to happen
0:29:55 > 0:29:57is we'll get immediate bottleneck at this point.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00We need to ensure that we're filtering it in,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02section by section.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06With budgets so tight, the success of the parade hinges
0:30:06 > 0:30:09on the goodwill of these council volunteers.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12We haven't got the money that the council once had,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14but that doesn't mean that Christmas doesn't go ahead.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16It still has to go ahead, we still want to have fun,
0:30:16 > 0:30:17we still want to celebrate.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20Thank very much for your time and be careful out there.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22LAUGHTER
0:30:22 > 0:30:25It's nice to see that we've got all this community feel,
0:30:25 > 0:30:29all this spirit going on and everybody coming together, really.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32The night of the lantern parade has finally arrived...
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Go!
0:30:40 > 0:30:44..and all Ben's hard work looks like it is paying off.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It's going good. We've got a few things haven't worked quite
0:30:47 > 0:30:49how we 'd hoped they would,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52but we're looking at resolving that immediately.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Despite the odd teething problem,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57everyone seems to be getting into the festive spirit.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00I think there were a lot more people than we thought there would be
0:31:00 > 0:31:02and a lot of good lanterns.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It really does feel like the start of Christmas,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08because everyone's getting together and having a good time.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10The weather has been kind,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12and even though they are short of cash,
0:31:12 > 0:31:16the council have still managed to entice one festive celebrity along.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20The biggest of them all - Father Christmas.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- ALL:- Five, four, three,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26two, one, go!
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I think it's gone well, yeah, it's gone very well.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Everyone I've spoken to seems to have enjoyed themselves,
0:31:33 > 0:31:35and everyone in the parade seemed to love it.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39The people watching the parade seem to have had a really good time.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Today, the Albert Square restaurant in the city centre
0:31:52 > 0:31:54is launching its Christmas menu.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55For events manager Lawrence,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59this is the beginning of the most crucial time of the year.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02The pressure is on him to improve on last year's figures
0:32:02 > 0:32:04and get even more bums on seats.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Tonight, really, is the start of Christmas.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12We are launching our Christmas menu.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15It's the big day.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16Not only is this the first outing
0:32:16 > 0:32:19for the new menu in the bar and restaurant,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23there's also a big Christmas booking in the function room upstairs.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25We've got a table of 11 in.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Perfect.- They're coming in first, we put out 13.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Got a nine and six and a four booked.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34In fact, we've got a nine, 11 and a 13 in the space of half an hour,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37so that half an hour tonight, it will be busy.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43The stress will come from the kitchen, really,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47so when they are serving a 15 downstairs in the restaurant
0:32:47 > 0:32:50and the main courses going at the same time
0:32:50 > 0:32:52as the main courses are going upstairs,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55that's where the stresses will come.
0:32:55 > 0:33:01I'll breathe a sigh of relief of tonight when the night's over.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04So things are really hotting up in the kitchen
0:33:04 > 0:33:06for chef Carl Fraenkl-Rietti,
0:33:06 > 0:33:09who has only worked here for a matter of weeks.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I've not been here very long. They've had to build a new team.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15It's been difficult. But we're starting to get our team now,
0:33:15 > 0:33:17we're starting to gel together, working together,
0:33:17 > 0:33:19helping each other out.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21That's what's going to happen now.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24It's imperative that it goes well.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26We can't fail, we have to get it done.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30The customers are coming in now and we have to deliver.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34But there is extra pressure on Carl tonight.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38He's come up with a new Christmas menu with a few seasonal surprises,
0:33:38 > 0:33:42including the not obviously festive mutton curry
0:33:42 > 0:33:45and a tasty-looking cold meat selection on wooden boards.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Just waiting now for the go, the kick-off.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53There is no turkey on tonight, unfortunately.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57We're pushing our famous curry. That's what we're pitching.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59One of the most popular dishes in England is curry,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02so that's what we're doing, something different.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05The first night of the big Christmas parties.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07So far, 43 diners have booked a table for dinner,
0:34:07 > 0:34:11but that number could potentially double from passing trade.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13It could be a busy night.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Two corned beef hash cake, one smoked salmon,
0:34:16 > 0:34:17one black pudding, no egg.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20We could do 150 tonight.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21We could do 60. We don't know.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23We just have to make sure we have enough food
0:34:23 > 0:34:25for doing twice as many bookings
0:34:25 > 0:34:28or three times as many bookings as we have.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30And with so much on Carl's plate,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33the service for the Christmas party in the function room
0:34:33 > 0:34:34has hit a roadblock.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38The specially plated cold meat starters aren't ready yet.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Another board, Chef, please.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Can we have the boards?
0:34:47 > 0:34:49The boards now, yeah.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57But some quick work in the kitchen...
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Pass me my wooden board, please.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Have you got any pickled shallot?
0:35:03 > 0:35:04..and the crisis is over.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09Give me a shout when you're clearing them
0:35:09 > 0:35:11and we'll start plating mains, OK?
0:35:11 > 0:35:12Let's go.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16And in the nick of time,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19the first course of Carl's new-look menu
0:35:19 > 0:35:22is laid out for the Christmas party.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Downstairs, passing trade from the nearby market
0:35:27 > 0:35:30has got the main restaurant packed to the gills.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33One stuffed mushroom, two stovies,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36two fish and chips, one Barnsley, one ribeye rare.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39All those customers are keeping Lawrence happy,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42but Carl is under the cosh in the kitchen.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46One Barnsley, two S and Ks, one fish, one sausages.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49They're running late upstairs and they started later,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52so we've just come down to tell the kitchen to hold off
0:35:52 > 0:35:53plating the dishes.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56One greens, one mash, one cauliflower cheese.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57One broccoli.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03So Manchester's punters are flocking to the restaurant,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05but how is the curried mutton,
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Carl's controversial new Christmas special, going down?
0:36:09 > 0:36:12One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine curry.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16First Christmas party, nine curries and there's only 14 people eating.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Just shows you what your demographic wants to eat.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24The Christmas menu seems to be going down a treat.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- How was everything? - Lovely, very good.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27Thanks very much.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- How was everything? - Yeah, delicious.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30Lovely. How was everything?
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- Really good, thank you. - Thank you.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35I think it's been accepted very well by the customers.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39It's not too far away from what they're used to, so, you know,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42we're not turning off any of our regular guests.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46So we've hit both ends of the market there, I think.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48I think I was a bit apprehensive.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50It is a new menu, we've got new people in the kitchen,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52new people on the floor,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55so you never really know until those first few days.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58But we're on a Wednesday evening and the restaurant's 80% full,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00so if you're doing that on a Wednesday,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03then Thursday, Friday, Saturday, it will be chocka.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08So I think, on the basis of this, it'll be a good Christmas.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20It's the biggest day in the Christmas calendar
0:37:20 > 0:37:24for Trinity High School Choir and head of music Heather Brown.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28They're performing at the Advent service at St Ann's Church
0:37:28 > 0:37:31and, after weeks of rehearsals, it's their moment to shine.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Ready for the day? Very exciting.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39There is a little bit of a buzz in the air this morning,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43so hopefully when they've had their rehearsal and had a bit of free time
0:37:43 > 0:37:46to have a rest before the service, then they'll be ready to do it.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Rector Nigel Ashworth will be leading the service.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55My role today is to form a rapport with everyone in the church
0:37:55 > 0:37:58so that we can make sure that there's a great event
0:37:58 > 0:38:00inside and outside at the crib.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06If the singing tree fires off, we simply rise above it.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11When we have worked out where we're going to stand,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13I will give you your folders.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16We'll do all four choir pieces.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Probably, we'll start actually in the choir stalls with the organist.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Mr Cantrell will arrive very soon...
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Somebody who's trying to rise above her nerves
0:38:24 > 0:38:26is 14-year-old Charlotte,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30who's due to perform her first trumpet solo at St Ann's.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35I'm feeling excited, nervous, a mix of stuff.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39But kind of more anxious to get it done with.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40Fingers crossed it goes well!
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Hopefully everybody will sing as well as they have done in rehearsal
0:38:43 > 0:38:46and hopefully everything will go according to plan.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Performing at school is one thing,
0:38:48 > 0:38:49but singing in front of the public
0:38:49 > 0:38:53in the formal setting of a church is another.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55When we get to that point at 36,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59we're going to pull it back a little bit and we're going to bring it down
0:38:59 > 0:39:04and then when we get into bar 39, we're going to go back up again.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09There's just time for one last rehearsal before the doors open.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11# Lift up your voice, alleluia
0:39:11 > 0:39:14# Raise your song to the glorious sky
0:39:14 > 0:39:17# Lift up your voice, alleluia
0:39:17 > 0:39:21# Praise to the heav'ns on high... #
0:39:21 > 0:39:23They did really well, so hopefully we didn't tire them out
0:39:23 > 0:39:24and they're ready now.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Ready to get on with the service.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Family and friends flock into the church
0:39:31 > 0:39:33to enjoy the Christmas celebration,
0:39:33 > 0:39:37while Charlotte waits anxiously for her moment in the spotlight.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40How fantastic to welcome everybody
0:39:40 > 0:39:44from Trinity Church of England High School here into St Ann's
0:39:44 > 0:39:47for this Advent Carol Service.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Months in the planning and weeks of rehearsals
0:39:51 > 0:39:53have brought the choir to this moment.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57It's time to take centre stage.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09# Lift up your voice, alleluia
0:40:09 > 0:40:13# Raise your song to the glorious sky
0:40:13 > 0:40:15# Lift up your voice, alleluia
0:40:15 > 0:40:19# Praise to the heav'ns on high
0:40:20 > 0:40:23# Sing, alleluia
0:40:23 > 0:40:26# Raise your song to the glorious sky
0:40:26 > 0:40:29# Sing, alleluia
0:40:29 > 0:40:32# Praise to the heav'ns on high... #
0:40:36 > 0:40:40I'm really pleased. It went so well. The children sang really well.
0:40:40 > 0:40:41I'm just really proud of them.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44It was lovely to have so many of their friends and family here
0:40:44 > 0:40:48to be with them and to start our Christmas celebration together.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56It actually went really well.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I did one of the little bits a tiny bit wrong.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02But the end note, I hit it, so we're good.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04I'm feeling really happy.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05Honestly, I just want to do it again,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07because it was just really fun.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11So, we're going outside...in an orderly way, I'm sure,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14but as long as we get there, we're going outside.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19The carol concert has been a success,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23but it's now time for Nigel to bless the crib.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Hello, everybody.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Here we are again, it's fantastic.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30And we have got our wonderful Christmas crib,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33belonging to Manchester City Council.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Isn't that amazing? I'm so glad that in all the local authority cuts,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39the crib has not been cut.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Let's give the crib a big cheer, yes.
0:41:41 > 0:41:42CHEERING
0:41:42 > 0:41:47And any worries of unwelcome musical interruptions have been averted.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51The singing tree seems to have been switched off, which was,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I think, an act of international diplomacy.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59# O little town of Bethlehem
0:41:59 > 0:42:04# How still we see thee lie
0:42:04 > 0:42:09# Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
0:42:09 > 0:42:13# The silent stars go by... #
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It's a great tradition to see the crib outside the church.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20And seeing the children singing as well really made it.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Really good fun.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26I think it's really good for the church
0:42:26 > 0:42:29to have a visible sign out in public.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34# Are met in thee tonight
0:42:34 > 0:42:41# Our Lord Emmanuel. #
0:42:41 > 0:42:43CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Well, what a great show. What was it like being out with the police?
0:42:49 > 0:42:51It was great to be back out with them,
0:42:51 > 0:42:52and to know that they're the eyes and ears
0:42:52 > 0:42:55keeping us safe in a busy place like this was brilliant.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58You did a good job. Well, tomorrow, I'll be meeting with a lady
0:42:58 > 0:43:00who's facing a tough first Christmas alone
0:43:00 > 0:43:03since the loss of her husband of more than 40 years.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06And we'll be following the fortunes of a first-time stall owner
0:43:06 > 0:43:07here at Manchester Market,
0:43:07 > 0:43:11who has gambled his life savings on a new business selling blankets.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12We could do with them now.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- Freezing.- It's freezing. - BOTH:- See you then.