2024 welcomes the Year of the Dragon, the fifth animal in the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. The symbol of the dragon in Chinese culture represents power, health and strength, and so the Year of the Dragon is said to bring innovation, growth, and an abundance of luck.
This year, Chinese New Year Celebrations will fall on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of February. If you’re looking to join in with the festivities, we’ve highlighted the events and experiences taking place across the city so you can celebrate and bring in the new year!
The Dragon Parade
The highly-anticipated Dragon Parade will take place on Sunday, 11th February! Starting from 12 pm at Manchester Central, crowds are encouraged to gather to see a 175 ft Chinese dragon winding its way through the city centre, accompanied by ribbon dancers, Chinese opera performers, the zodiac animals, traditional lanterns and more!
The parade makes its journey throughout the entire city, going from Peter Street to Oxford Road, Portland Street, and winds down in Chinatown, where a performance then takes place on a stage. No matter where you are in the city, you’ll be certain to catch a glimpse of it if not hear it
Lunar New Year at Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on 7th February from 6 pm to 9 pm! The museum will be holding various workshops (such as Tai Chi taster sessions), live performances, and the opportunity to create your own Year of the Dragon decorations and Origami.
Visit a Chinese Supermarket
If you want to celebrate the Chinese New Year at home or planning to host friends and family, why not seize the opportunity to visit some Chinese supermarkets in the city centre? Wing Yip, located in Ancoats, has become a must-visit destination for quality, authentic ingredients, or, take a stroll through Chinatown and explore some hidden gems.
If you’re looking for a unique one-of-a-kind supermarket, Hello Oriental is a food hall and market with a handpicked selection of pan-Asian food such as dim sum, bao buns, and a delicious bakery to takeaway or dine in!
Chinese Brush Painting at GRUB
GRUB, a food hall and event space, are hosting a Chinese bamboo brush painting workshop to bring in the new year! The workshop is completely beginner-friendly, and will cover how to paint using bamboo brushes with Chinese ink on rice paper.
Taking place on Saturday 10th, February, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience Chinese culture and learn from talented artists! Tickets are available to buy for £28, and there will be multiple sessions within the workshop so you can experience and learn different techniques.
Enjoy an Authentic Chinese Meal
There’s no better time to tuck into delicious Chinese food than Chinese New Year! In Manchester, we’re spoilt for choice with an abundance of authentic and tasty Chinese restaurants to choose from. In between celebrations, why not pay a trip to a local haunt such as Blue Eyed Panda, The Rice Bowl, Sweet Mandarin, Tattu, Yum Cha, and more?
From all of us here at dmt, we want to wish you a happy Chinese New Year as we welcome the Year of the Dragon!
