Chinese New Year in Manchester City Centre is always a cause for celebration – and 2020 is no different. Running from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 January, the city’s population will come together to celebrate the Year of the Rat by partaking in one of the many crafty opportunities and colourful carnival events that will be painting the city during this annual cultural extravaganza. Here’s a taster of what you’ll find during Chinese New Year 2020 in Manchester…

The Dragon Parade | St Peter's Square | Sun 26 Jan | 12.30pm

The iconic golden dragon will snake its way through the streets of Manchester on Sunday 26 January accompanied by ribbon dancers, Chinese opera performers and the Chinese scout parade. A symbol of Chinese New Year, the parade will run all the way from St Peter’s Square to Chinatown and is a vibrant event to remember for both kids and grandparents alike. You can also visit the giant golden dragon float throughout the weekend in St Anne’s Square if you prefer your dragons stationary. Be sure to stick around for the fireworks display at 6pm too!

St Peter's Square, Manchester City Centre, M2 3LR
Get Crafty with Joey Yu's Family Workshops | Arndale Centre | Sun 26 Jan | 11am - 3pm

Exchange Court in the Arndale Centre will host artist Joey Yu’s masterclass in paper dragon crafting. Between 11am-3pm on Sunday 26 January you can pop along and create your own mythical beast, a Chinese New Year tradition, perhaps discovering a talent you didn’t know you had – plus you get to take home a great little souvenir.

Exchange Court, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3AQ, Tel: 0161 833 9851
Creative Workshops | Manchester Central Library | Sun 26 Jan | Noon - 4pm

In association with the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, even more creativity will be going down at Manchester Central Library, providing even more free fun for all ages. Artist-led activities will get those inspired juices flowing, no doubt creating a sense of achievement and the perfect wholesome pastime between noon – 4pm on Saturday 26 January.

Manchester Central Library, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 5PD, Tel: 0161 234 1983
Weekend Competition | Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art | Sat 25 & Sun 26 | 10am - 5pm

Once those creative juices are flowing why not submit a drawing to compete for an original drawing by artist Joey Yu? If you’re more serious about your talent this could be the perfect activity whilst also celebrating Chinese New Year 2020 in Manchester. Visit the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art over the weekend to browse inspirational material and submit your own attempt!

Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, Market Buildings, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1EU, Tel: 0161 832 7271
Sat 25 Jan - Sun 26 Jan, Various Locations, Free
www.visitmanchester.com/ideas-and-inspiration/chinese-new-year
Words:
Emmeline Banks
Published on:
Sun 19 Jan 2020