Stockport is set to host its first Full Moon Festival later this week as the town comes together to host three-days of colourful celebrations.
Hosted by Stockport & Salford Hongkongers Community Interest Group and Yellow Economic Circle Manchester and supported by Merseyway Shopping Centre and Stockport Council, the Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, will celebrate Hong Kong culture with traditional events, including long-established rituals and family-friendly activities.
Known as one of the most important festivals for Hongkongers, the three-day celebrations will take place from September 15th – 17th 2023 featuring an abundance of free entertainment, including an exhibition of traditional handmade lanterns, live music, and a handicraft maker’s market.
Guaranteed to be a hit across Instagram and Facebook, visitors can snap a photo with the giant, 2-metre Big Moon installation, while food lovers can head to the street food stalls and sample delicious Hong Kong cuisine.
With something fun on every corner, families can also take part in free crafts at Children’s Corner, where children can try out their creativity and draw a lantern of their own whilst learning about the history of the festival.
Oscar Cheng, organiser at Yellow Economic Circle Manchester said “There’s going to be so much exciting entertainment at our Moon Festival, and we can’t wait for everyone to come down and experience the festivities of Hong Kong culture. Make sure to mark your diaries for a fun day out in Stockport!”.
Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager said “We’re so excited to play host to the first Moon Festival in Stockport! Bringing something new to the centre for families and shoppers, we’d like to encourage everyone to come down for these celebrations and take part in free family-friendly activities whilst learning about Hong Kong culture within our community.”
Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: “This is a fantastic, free, family day out in the heart of the town centre, with something for everyone to get involved with. Our Town of Culture year has so far seen some really exciting projects and events taking place, with plenty more to come. It’s great to see so many people getting involved and taking advantage of this special year for Stockport.”
For 2023, Stockport has been named Greater Manchester’s latest Town of Culture, following in the footsteps of Bury and Stalybridge. Celebrating the people, places and stories of Stockport, this event comes part of an events programme bringing a year of culture to everyone in the town, bringing opportunities for residents to be active, creative and to celebrate the local area.
