Today, Emmerdale actor Chris Bisson officially opened the Piccadilly Snow Gardens, in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.

There was no cutting of ribbon involved though; instead Bisson, also known for his appearances in Shameless and Coronation Street, threw himself into the variety of festive attractions on offer in the Gardens. Onlookers saw him perform some acrobatic moves in the Budgydome, lunge down the snow slide, take part in a faux snow fight with Councillor Pat Karney and even have his photograph taken with Piccadilly’s very own Santa (pictured), who is inhabiting a cosy-looking cottage in the centre of the Gardens.

For more photos from the event, please click HERE.

The Piccadilly Snow Gardens will be open to all until the 3rd January. For all the details about the Snow Gardens throughout the festive period, please click HERE.