(Image: Sean Hansford)
The massive security operation in action for star-studded Chanel fashion show
Armed cops will be on the streets as stars from fashion, music and cinema descend on Manchester
by John Scheerhout · Manchester Evening NewsA 'comprehensive' security operation for a glitzy, star-studded fashion show hosted by Chanel is in action.
Council officials announced road closures would be in place from today (Wednesday) ahead of Thursday's Métiers d’Art show which takes place in the Northern Quarter.
The city centre already has an increased number of police officers, including armed cops, on the streets as people flock to Manchester for its famous Christmas markets. It is understood the fashion house has recruited its own top security team for the event, part of what Greater Manchester Police has described as a 'comprehensive' operation for the show.
A-list stars have already arrived in the city, among the first Chanel 'ambassador' actress Kristen Stewart. Other big names from the worlds of fashion, film and music are also expected.
The influx of glamour has seen all of the city's top hotels booked solid over the next few days including the Stock Exchange Hotel, Radisson Blu Edwardian, Hotel Gotham and The Lowry in Salford.
The event's 600-strong guest list is rumoured to include Manchester United legend David Beckham and his wife Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.
Chanel Ambassador and actress Kristen Stewart was spotted outside the Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre on Wednesday. More celebrities are expected to arrive in the coming hours ahead of the show tomorrow. Other names rumoured to attend are actors Margot Robbie and Timothee Chalamet, both faces for the fashion brand.
Thomas Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter is being transformed into a catwalk for the prestigious show, which has previously been held in Paris, New York and Rome.
A spokesperson for GMP told the M.E.N: “Due to the high footfall in Manchester city centre at this time of year, there are already additional officers in the area. There is a comprehensive security operation in place during this high-profile event."
(Image: Sean Hansford)
A spokesperson for the council said: "We're thrilled that Chanel will be showcasing its prestigious Métiers d'Art 2023- 2024 collection here in Manchester this week. It's a fantastic homage to the city's past, present and future and speaks volumes about the regard in which Manchester is held across the world.
"We're working closely with Chanel to support them in the logistics of their event and in ensuring it is a success, both for Chanel and for the city."
The council said the following roads would be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday between 2pm and 10pm: High Street, between Copperas Street and Nicolas Croft; Soap Street, between High Street and Thomas Street; Salmon Street; Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street; Edge Street, between High Street and Oak Street; Back Turner Street, between High Street and John Street; Turner Street, between High Street and John Street; Kelvin Street, between Back Turner Street and Turner Street; John Street, between Turner Street and Thomas Street; Brick Street, between Back Turner Street and Turner Street; Back Thomas Street, between Thomas Street and Back Turner Street.
Two roads will be closed from 10pm on Wednesday until 3am on Thursday: Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street, High Street, between Thomas Street and Copperas Street.
The council also confirmed two roads would shut between 10pm on Thursday until 8am on Friday: Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street; High Street, between Thomas Street and Copperas Street.