A CHRISTMAS theme park has opened its doors, complete with family rides, Sooty, Sweep, Soo and a festive circus.

The UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme park — Winter Wonderland Manchester — welcomed its first visitors on Saturday and will run until Sunday, January 4.

Following the success of its inaugural run last Christmas, it has returned to EventCity, next to the Intu Trafford Centre.

Tammy Silcock, from Kingpin Events — the organiser of Winter Wonderland — said: “We are delighted to return with Winter Wonderland to EventCity after the huge success of our first event last year.

"This year we aim to be bigger and better and provide a fun-filled day out for families, whatever the weather.

"This is entertainment on a huge scale with lots of rides and attractions, The Sooty Show, A Christmas Circus and even a chance to meet Santa Claus.

"Last year’s charity evening proved a huge success and was very humbling for everyone involved. It was very special and our guests thoroughly enjoyed being the first visitors to enjoy the Winter Wonderland experience.”

Last Friday, more than 1,500 people chosen by North West charities — disadvantaged young people and bereaved families — officially opened the event, with the tickets worth a total of almost £30,000.

Winter Wonderland features more than 40 rides and attractions under one roof, as well The Sooty Show — Sooty, Sweep and Soo with television presenter Richard Cadell.

Sooty said: “I loved last year's Winter Wonderland so much I couldn't wait to come back with Sweep and Soo! Soo loves all the rides, Sweep can't wait to meet Santa again — and I can't wait to meet all my fans — and maybe squirt the mums and dads with my water pistol."

The Christmas Circus is also back this year with seating for more than 700 people and performances throughout the sessions.

Also new for this year, visitors will see a host of meet and greet performers roaming Winter Wonderland including stilt walkers, Christmas fairies and fairy-tale characters.

Father Christmas has taken time out of his busy schedule for meet and greets with all children and will be at Winter Wonderland up to and including Christmas Eve.

There are also games stalls and a vast array of food and drinks stalls, selling hot snacks and sweet treats including candy floss, popcorn and snow cones.

Winter Wonderland is operated on a session basis, visit winterwonderlandmanchester.com for tickets.