Offering the biggest Chinese New Year party in the UK outside of London, this year’s celebrations, headline sponsored by Hainan Airlines and Manchester Airport, will see new attractions across the city centre including a giant 50ft golden dragon in Exchange Square, live street art by graffiti artists from Hong Kong and a premium Asian street food village on New Cathedral Street.
Thousands of red lanterns will decorate the shopping streets, while last year’s stunning light show featuring a giant twisting snake and thousands of ascending lanterns will return to illuminate St Ann’s Church.
Children can enjoy a range of craft activities at Manchester Arndale led by the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA) and Manchester’s Confucius Institute including Chinese character creations, calligraphy, Chinese knot making and emoji workshops.
Live music, lion dancing and fire performances, ‘A Taste of China’ food market in St Ann’s Square, a VIP shopping evening and the famous Dragon Parade and fireworks finale in Albert Square and Chinatown complete the incredible line-up.
2016 also marks the 30 year anniversary of the city’s Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art and will see the CFCCA collaborate with 30 prestigious artists, curators and academics who have contributed to the organisation, to produce an ambitious high-profile programme launching on February 4th.
