Manchester’s popular dragon parade, which attracts thousands of visitors, will take place on Sunday 22nd January, headlining this year’s celebrations.
Weaving its way through the city’s streets, the 175ft Chinese dragon will be accompanied by traditional lion and ribbon dancers, Chinese Opera performers, twelve Zodiac animals and Ancient Army characters.
In a new route for 2023,the dragon will perform outside Manchester Central at 12pm before making its journey via Mount Street – Peter Street – Oxford Street – Portland Street – Princess Street and Faulkner Street to Chinatown which is celebrating the lunar new year with a live performance stage, fun fair, Chinese arts and crafts and street food stalls from 12pm – 7pm and two glittering illuminated night dragon performances at 5pm & 6pm.
This year’s celebrations, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM), in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District and Manchester City Council, will see the return of thousands of traditional red lanterns to brighten the city’s streets in the run-up to Chinese New Year.
A weeklong residency of traditional street food stalls will be set up in Piccadilly Gardens from Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 January and there’ll be a final performance from the illuminated night dragon closing this year’s festivities at 5pm on Sunday 29 January, also in Piccadilly Gardens.
Dragon Parade Performance and Parade Times
12pm-12.30pm: Performances, Outside Manchester Central
12.30pm-1.15pm: Dragon Parade, Manchester Central to Chinatown
1.15pm: Dragon Parade, Arrives at Chinatown
1.15pm-1.45pm: Performances, Faulkner Street Car Park, Chinatown
* all timings are approximate.
Lisa Yam, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM) said: “I’m very happy this year as we will welcome the return of the Dragon Parade. It has been two years since we have been able to wake up the dragon to bless the city. The Year of the Rabbit is sure to be a great year for us all.”
Jane Sharrocks, Manchester Business Improvement District Chair and General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square said: “This is the eighth consecutive year we’ve partnered with the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester on the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations – some of the best and brightest in Europe.
“We’ve adorned the city with thousands of traditional red lanterns once again for 2023 to help welcome in the Year of the Rabbit and we’re delighted see the return of the Dragon Parade which is always a real crowd pleaser and highlight of the celebrations.”
Other venues celebrating the lunar new year in the city include Manchester Central Library which is hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration for families from 12-4pm on Sunday 22 January with free crafts, Chinese performances, workshops and face painting.
Ducie Street Warehouse is also inviting visitors to celebrate Chinese New Year with Manchester’s community. Four days of festivities will ring in the Year of the Rabbit with special dishes at the restaurant and a range of entertainment in the lounge.
The Chinese New Year menu at the restaurant will be available from Friday 20th until Sunday 22nd January only. The menu highlights include Cantonese style spring roll with peanut and chilli dipping sauce; Vegan ‘crab’ Rangoon with ginger and garlic dipping sauce; and sticky char sui pork belly bao with chilli and sesame.
On Thursday 19th January, the popular Drink N Draw will return to the lounge with a Chinese New Year edition. Hosted by Pete Obsolete in partnership with Overdrawn, guests can sip and stroke with Chinese-inspired materials and techniques. Drawing materials and guidance on the night will be free of charge.
On Friday 20th January, the warehouse will host a traditional Lion Dance to celebrate Year of the Rabbit. The performance is on from 7.30pm until 8pm and is free of charge for visitors to enjoy.
Concluding the Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday 22nd January, Manchester’s collective Floating Art will be hosting a Chinese Bamboo Brush Painting from 2pm until 4.30pm. The workshop will introduce the delicate art form, as well as show some basic brushwork and painting techniques. Bamboo-brush and rice paper will be included, and participants will be guided and given a selection of references to draw inspiration from. Tickets cost £25.39 per person. Book HERE
For the ultimate Chinese New Year celebration and getaway, stay at the award-winning Native Manchester aparthotel, housed within the cool surroundings of the Grade II listed building Ducie Street Warehouse. Book now with rates from £109 per night HERE.
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