If you like planning well ahead, here are some dates for your diary.

We know it might still be Pimms and barbecue season, but we’ll all be glugging gluhwein while those bratwurst sizzle on the swing grills before you know it.

That’s right – the dates for the return of the Manchester Christmas Markets have now been confirmed.

The familiar wooden stalls will fill the city again from November 10 to December 20 this year, with the main market hub in Albert Square remaining open for an extra day, until December 21.

The city’s Christmas lights switch-on is likely to take place some time during the week before, although the date has yet to be confirmed.

Launched in 1999 as just a single site in St Ann’s Square, the markets are now a sprawling and hugely popular festive attraction that attract millions of visitors, including many from the Chester and Ellesmere Port areas, each year.

Last year the markets stretched across 10 sites, including Exchange Square, the Corn Exchange, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square and New Cathedral Street.

The locations for this year have yet to be confirmed but more details will be announced over the coming weeks.