Celebrate Chinese and Lunar New Year this weekend
If you’ve been in town recently you’ll have noticed little red lanterns popping up which is a sure sign Chinese New Year is almost here!
The celebrations for welcoming the year of the Rabbit are taking place across Manchester and start this weekend. Here are some of the highlights:
Dragon Parade – on Sunday 22nd a traditional Dragon Parade will depart from Manchester Central Convention Complex at 12 noon. The dragon parade will make its way to China Town via Mount Street, Peter Street, Oxford Street, Portland Street, Princess Street and Faulkner Street.
China Town events – throughout Sunday there will be performances of acrobatics, singing, poetry readings, dancing and kung fu from 12 noon – 7pm along with a market, food stalls, lion dances, workshops and a funfair.
Manchester Central Library – pop in between 12:00 and 16:00 on Sunday 22nd to join the celebrations of the Year of the Rabbit with crafts, Chinese performance, workshops and talented face-painters.
Chinese market at Piccadilly Gardens – from Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th there will be a range of stalls featuring crafts, food and drink open from noon to 7pm daily.
Manchester Art Gallery – on Sunday 22nd from 10:00 until 17:00 visitors are encouraged to pick up a sketch book and pen from the Lion’s Den and explore the gallery’s bunny themed trail – you can even claim a free rabbit sticker if you show them your sketches! Artists Tina Ramos Ekongo and Jayson Gylen will also be in The Lion’s Den making rabbit themed crafts and Sarah from Cook Stars will be decorating a cakes with Chinese calligraphy.