Manchester Town Hall | Inflatable Father Christmas Installation

The Scope

Between 1998 and 2006, Vertical Access was responsible for installing Manchester's iconic 80ft inflatable Father Christmas on the roof of the Grade I-listed Manchester Town Hall.

Working alongside long-standing design partner Arup, the project involved the installation of a bespoke 20-tonne steel platform, anchored to the existing roof structure. Designed by Arup, the platform incorporated bearings and rear supporting pillars to allow movement, with specialist lead roofing replacement works required to accommodate the installation.

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The Challenge & Solution

Installing such a large structure onto a Grade I-listed building presented significant engineering and logistical challenges, particularly regarding structural loading, heritage protection and exposure to adverse weather.

The inflatable was lifted into position by crane and secured to the steel platform using specialist straps. Once installed, Father Christmas remained continuously inflated throughout the festive period, subject to prevailing weather conditions.

The project demonstrated Vertical Access's ability to deliver complex installations on historically significant structures, combining specialist access expertise with innovative engineering solutions.

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Bringing festive cheer to Manchester for nearly a decade, this iconic installation remains a memorable example of our ability to deliver innovative installation solutions in even the most challenging and unique environments.

Have a complex installation project on the horizon? Get in touch with our team to discover how Vertical Access can help bring your plans to life.

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