A CORNER of a town centre in Trafford has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

The Not So Secret Grotto has arrived in the Stamford Quarter of Altrincham town centre as the Not So Secret Garden on Stamford Square has been transformed into a cosy and magically festive destination.

The Not So Secret Garden set out to be a sustainable community hub when it launched in June, and now its creators, Bruntwood Works in partnership with Trafford council, are bringing that same spirit to the Christmas season.

The Not So  Secret Grotto is now set to host everything from children’s craft workshops to festive choirs.

The space has been given a festive makeover and is warm and cosy with plenty of shelter from the elements. There’s a new roof for the central pergola, the large seating domes have been cladded for the winter, and there’s lots more cover across the whole site.

The site is now filled with twinkling festoon fairy lights, lanterns, cosy blankets and lots of Christmas trees.

The on site bar Stutter and Twitch has gone seasonal too, and is now serving a range of hot drinks with a homemade fruity mulled wine and a spiced rum infused apple cider punch.

Their festive foodie menu also features bratwurst and festive sandwiches.

There’ll be live music every Friday,  Saturday and Sunday, curated by Stutter and Twitch. There will be festive bands and choirs as well as some favourites from the S&T roster.

The community Christmas hub will be hosting a series of children’s craft sessions every Saturday from December 4 at 12 noon to 4pm.

Run by local craft experts Inch Art, the free sessions will include the opportunity for children to make seasonal craft creations to take home. And there’s no need to book – kids can just turn up and join in.

Late night shopping is also being launching in Altrincham town centre from December 3 with the Stamford Quarter shops opening until 7pm every Friday in the lead up to Christmas.

The independent stores dotted around the Not So Secret Grotto offer Christmas shopping opportunities too.

There will also be free parking on Fridays for late night Christmas shopping with no charge from 3.30pm to 7pm.