After bonfire night as Curiosity said.
They started putting the Christmas lights up in Manchester already, were some up last week although they are not lit til the 9th November. Christmas stff appearing everywhere and being bombarded with "book your Christmas meals/parties now" in all the pubs and such. Seems like madness to me! I love Christmas but it's too early and takes some of the novelty away.
Can't wait for the Christmas Markets in the town hall square though, fresh bratwurst, gluwein and mini pancakes with cream and chocolate sauce...bliss, and a great night out!