The Christmas Markets are making a return to Manchester today – bringing with them the festive spirit matched up with good food, good drinks and plenty of good vibes.

As ever, the markets will take over multiple spots across the city centre, including Piccadilly Gardens and St. Ann’s Square, with a plethora of different types of bratwurst, Glühwein, sweet treats and hot chocolate to savour and devour.

This year’s festivities will also be much longer than usual – now lasting six weeks in total, giving visitors the chance to make multiple visits as we head closer and closer towards Christmas.

Some of the most popular traders will be making a return to the markets whilst others will be setting up shop for the first time – all offering their own range of snacks, street food lunches, handmade crafts and everything in between.

From today (November 8), the markets will feature more than 200 stalls across nine sites, with favourites including The Flat Baker, Porky Pig, The Pancake House, Waffle Cart, Kingdom of Sweets and North Star Gin.

And it’s not just locals who are big on Manchester’s festive offerings – with the city’s Christmas Markets appearing on various lists, even being named as one of the ‘most Instagrammable’ in Europe.

With such a vast set-up this year, the Manchester Evening News team will be out and about today to find out all the tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to getting by at the Manchester Christmas Markets – including their top recommendations, travel advice, and news on prices of those well-sought after sausages.

This is a live blog. Follow the latest updates below.