Manchester will be ringing in the Year of the Dragon next week as its legendary Dragon Parade returns to the city’s streets with a brand-new parade route, ready to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Set to take place on Sunday 11th February, the popular parade will feature a 175ft Chinese Dragon, accompanied by traditional lion and ribbon dancers, Chinese Opera performers, twelve Zodiac animals and Ancient Army characters, as well as singers, violinists, choir performances and Chengdu acrobats.
In a new route for 2024, performances will begin at 12pm at the Oxford Street and George Street junction, before the parade makes its way to Chinatown via Portland Street, Princess Street and Faulkner Street, concluding in Chinatown which is celebrating Chinese New Year with a live performance stage, fun fair, Chinese arts and crafts workshops and a street food market from 12pm – 8pm, as well as an illuminated dragon finale at 6pm.
One of Manchester’s most popular events, this year’s celebrations, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM), in partnership with Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Manchester City Council, will also see the return of thousands of traditional red lanterns to brighten the city’s streets in the run-up to Chinese New Year, as well as celebrations in Chinatown on Saturday 10th February from 12pm – 10pm, featuring live music performances, workshops and markets, and an illuminated dragon appearance at nightfall.
Lisa Yam, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester said “We’re thrilled to host our 33rd Chinese New Year celebrations in Manchester City Centre. For the first time, we are hosting a two-day celebration in Chinatown, and we hope this will give even more people the opportunity to experience the atmosphere, and of course, sample the delicious street food that will be on offer at this special festival.”
Dragon Parade Performance and Parade Times
12pm – 12.30pm: Performances, Oxford Street
12.30pm- 1pm: Dragon Parade, Oxford Street to Chinatown
1pm: Dragon Parade, Arrives in Chinatown
1.10pm – 1.40pm: Performances, Faulkner Street Car Park, Chinatown
1.40pm: Dragon Leaves Chinatown
*Please note, all timings are approximate.
