Students from Manchester Metropolitan University have won a competition to design and construct the centre-piece of City Inn Manchester’s Christmas decorations.

James Bradshaw, Scott Jones, and Nathan Knowles, currently studying on the BA (Hons) Interior Design course, designed the winning Christmas tree which features a pyramid structure built using wine glasses and illuminated from the inside and provides a stunning focal point to greet visitors to the hotel and the critically-acclaimed City Café restaurant. City Inn is committed to supporting the arts in Manchester and this beautiful and unique tree will be unveiled on 3rd December; the beginning of the hotel’s busy Christmas season.

Students were asked to consider the cool, light and contemporary environment of the hotel when planning their Christmas tree design and proposals needed to compliment the building and enhance City Inn’s reputation for displaying contemporary art. They were then given a budget of £1000 to buy materials to turn their designs into reality.

Stewart Davies, general manager for City Inn Manchester and judge of the competition commented; “We chose this design as the winner as we felt it fitted in so well with City Inn Manchester; it is fresh and innovative as well as offering a striking and original welcome to our hotel this Christmas. As a company it is hugely important that we support the arts in the areas of each of our hotels and it’s fantastic that through this competition we are able to connect with the next generation of designers at Manchester Metropolitan University.”

Senior lecturer for the Interior Design course at Manchester Met, Howard Cooper, added; “It has been fantastic to be involved in this challenge from City Inn. The students constantly work to a brief but in undertaking one from an external body they are able to get a better sense of what is expected in the real world. Our students approached City Inn’s brief with enthusiasm and the final installation really shines in this wonderful location.”

Throughout the festive period City Inn Manchester has a range of seasonal menus available at its City Café restaurant and is offering a variety of offers at the hotel. Full menus and details can be downloaded from www.cityinn.com