As far as we’re concerned, it isn’t Christmas until Manchester City Council’s in-house design studio, M–Four, reveals its annual festive campaign. And this year, the team has once again collaborated with Kilogramme to create an animated film that reflects on how the city has come together during a global pandemic.

It makes quite the contrast to previous instalments, as Chris Jennings, lead designer at M–Four explains: “Traditionally, our festive film would highlight the attractions, events and days out that make Manchester such a special place at this time of the year. This time, of course, many of these events have had to be cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic.”

With that in mind, the film’s theme for 2020 is one of shared experiences. It takes a jovial look at the challenges we’ve faced, including the precarious balancing act of working from home while home-schooling, video calling family to stay in touch, learning new skills – baking in particular! It also pays tribute to our clapping for carers, and remembers how the region pulled together, supported one another and showed true Mancunian spirit. […]