An Italian restaurant has become well-known for going all-out with its Christmas decorations for the festive period.
However, this year’s display at Rosso, Manchester, has sparked something of a frenzy now it has come to life, with reports of people risking life and limb to get a picture of the sight.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the venue switched on a new display for 2022 at the weekend. It comes complete with thousands of twinkling bulbs overlaying the entire historic former bank building on Spring Gardens.
The doorway, meanwhile, has been encased in a giant 30-foot-high Christmas tree adorned with massive glistening baubles. And the display has been literally stopping shoppers and passers-by in their tracks. So much so, that cars have been left beeping their horns as people wander into the busy road to try and get a perfect selfie with the display.
The MEN watched as scores of people posed for pictures on Saturday night wandering into the main road, with taxis and cars having to beep them out of the way.
And on social media others have mentioned the dazzling impact the lights have been having on passers-by.
DJ Pasta Paul wrote on Instagram: “@Rossorestaurant taking Xmas lighting to the next level – I saw this on Saturday afternoon for the first time and people were risking their lives trying to get pictures and selfies.”
Others have hailed it: “absolutely stunning” and “insane”. While one wag commented: “I wouldn’t like to see their leccy bill.”
But it’s not just the outside of Rosso leaving jaws dropping this year. Inside, they’ve gone to town with a spectacular festive lights, Christmas tree and bauble display.
Sharing a teaser image inside the venue on Instagram last week of the Christmas decorations, the venue said: “Tis the season! Nobody does it like Rosso.”
Thousands of pounds have been lavished on the decorations at the venue, which is based inside the historic Grade-II listed former Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank. The restaurant first opened in Manchester in 2009 and fast became known for its Christmas lights displays – in previous years the building has been wrapped up with a bow like a giant present.
Rosso is one of many restaurants and bars in the city centre this year that have gone extra large with their festive decorations for 2022.
Many operators have seen it as a way of celebrating a full return to hospitality this year with added sparkle after the struggles through the pandemic. Uncertainty over rising Covid rates in November and December 2021 meant many Christmas events and parties were cancelled last minute at restaurant and bars last year.
