Mark the start of the new Lunar calendar and celebrate Chinese New Year with live performances, traditional workshops, amazing authentic food and the legendary city centre Dragon Parade on Sunday 11 February.
Chinese New Year Dragon Parade
Manchester will come alive with colour and light in February as the city comes together to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the return of the legendary Dragon Parade. Taking place from 12pm, the dragon will be accompanied by traditional lion and ribbon dancers, Chinese Opera performers, twelve Zodiac animals and Ancient Army characters, making their way to Manchester’s popular Chinatown, which is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a live performance stage, fun fair and street food stalls from 12pm – 7pm.
Chinese New Year Set Menu at Hello Oriental
Acclaimed Asian street food haven Hello Oriental will usher in the Lunar New Year with a special set menu. The food hall and market will host a culinary celebration for the Year of the Dragon with a three-course set menu taking inspiration from across Asia. There will also be a traditional Dragon Dance at 1.30pm.
Chinese Brush Painting at GRUB
Head to GRUB for a gentle introduction to Chinese painting using traditional and authentic art materials – including bamboo brushes, mineral paints and Chinese ink. Teacher Ula Fung has more than 15 years of teaching experience and is a local artist. She studied for her art degree and then Masters back home in Hong Kong.
Lunar New Year Supper Club at The Old Fire Station
Little Yellow Rice Co are inviting guests to join them for a special supper club to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Taking place at The Old Fire Station in Salford, the dinner will cost £38 per person.
Traditional Chinese Crafts at Central Library
Bowen Education will provide traditional Chinese dance and musical entertainment at Manchester’s Central Library at 2pm on Saturday 10 February. This will be followed by traditional Chinese crafts and is suitable for all ages.
Calligraphy Workshop at Kargo MKT
Head to Kargo MKT at Media City to learn about the fascinating world of Chinese calligraphy. Hosted by a knowledgable expert, discover the history, symbolism and techniques behind the ancient art form, and walk away with your name beautifully rendered. Visitors will also get the chance to enjoy a Live Guzheng performance featuring traditional Chinese music. Skilled musicians will showcase the beauty of the ancient instrument, which has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
esea contemporary: Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the dawn of the Year of the Dragon at an exclusive event for esea contemporary’s supporters, collaborators and partners from Manchester and beyond. The inaugural event will showcase the new exhibition from Jane Jin Kaisen: Halmang. Guests will enjoy a private viewing of the exhibition as well as a live performance by singer Hinako Omori and music from DJ (and occasional illustrator) Stan Chow.
Year of the Dragon at Manchester Museum
Prepare for the Year of the Dragon with an evening of friendship and celebration at Manchester Museum. There will be live performances and workshops for all ages to get involved in, including the Lion Dance, a tai chi taster session and origami workshop. The soundtrack will also be provided by Manchester-based Chinese music ensemble Oriental Breeze.
Lunar New Year Market at Kargo MKT
Kargo MKT in Salford is marking Chinese New Year with a series of events and workshops on Sunday 11 February. As well as browsing the Lunar New Year market, there are plenty of workshops to get stuck into too. Master the art of authentic dumpling making, learn how to create a traditional Lunar New Year decoration and take part in a watercolour painting workshop, where you can learn to paint Hong Kong’s iconic local delicacies using watercolour paints.
Chinatown Live Mural
Chinatown committee member Ste Wing will lead a live-art mural session with Manchester-based artist Piicasa on Saturday. The painting will take place alongside Chinese New Year celebrations and form part of his ongoing art project in the area.
Tattu Lantern Festival
Head to Tattu for the culmination of their Chinese New Year celebrations with a lantern festival on Saturday 24 February. Lion Dancers will lead the age-old ceremony, whilst live DJs and live musicians will set the tone for the party.
Lion Dance at The Portico Library
Master Tang’s Lion Dance arrives at Manchester’s historic Portico Library on 21 February. The venue will host the traditional Chinese song and dance to mark the Lunar New Year of the Dragon.
Lunar New Year at OHAYO
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, OHAYO bubble tea shop has released a brand-new, limited edition drink named the Lychee Dragon, made with fresh dragon fruit and lychee chunks in a green tea with cheese foam (available until the end of February). The shop in Chinatown will also be gifting walk-in customers a pack of five traditional red envelope packets for orders over £8.
Market Street Lunar New Year Fair
The Hong Kong Cultural Community will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a special fair on Market Street from 9-11 February. Join in with the festivities and indulge in traditional Asian food, arts, crafts and culture on the city centre shopping street.
