Manchester is welcoming in Chinese New Year with a day of celebrations in Chinatown and a majestic tiger sculpture which was unveiled today in St Ann’s Square.
Manchester’s celebrations, led by FCAM, the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester, are renowned as some of the best in Europe, and although 2022’s celebrations are on a smaller scale (there will be no fireworks or dragon parade this year) visitors can still enjoy a whole host of family-friendly activities including traditional lion dances, Chinese acrobatics, Kung Fu demonstrations and live performances, alongside food stalls and a funfair from 11am – 7pm this Sunday (6 February). An illuminated dragon will also perform on the hour from 4pm – 7pm.
Paying homage to the Year of the Tiger and taking centre stage this year is a show-stopping tiger sculpture, commissioned by Manchester Business Improvement District. Designed by Manchester-based Decordia, and in-situ in St Ann’s Square until Sunday, the tiger, made from wood and recycled materials, has been cleverly constructed so that it appears as delicate as a children’s toy yet is every bit as powerful as those found in the wild. Beautiful by day and lit by night, this unmissable spectacle is worthy of ushering in the Year of the Tiger.
Other activities taking place across the city centre include:
Photography Exhibition: The Door Opened: 1980s China by Adrian Bradshaw at Manchester Central Library
Head to Manchester Central Library to check out British photojournalist Adrian Bradshaw’s candid and posed photographs which explore China in the 1980s. From opulent fashion extravaganzas to sentimental family excursions, Adrian captures the fleeting beauty and simplicity of everyday life. The exhibition, which is on until 26 April, is brought to Manchester Central Library by the Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. Entry is free.
Chinese New Year Film Season at HOME
To mark the arrival of the Year of the Tiger, cultural venue HOME is collaborating with the Confucius Institute and Chinese Film Forum UK on a Chinese New Year 2022 programme from 3 – 6 February. Book tickets for their curated shorts package and underdog tale One Second Champion (12A) here.
Chinese New Year at the Portico Library, Mosley Street
Explore rare nineteenth-century books and illustrations on Chinese culture from the Portico’s extraordinary historic collection, view 200-year-old maps of Chinatown and enjoy free creative activities with the library’s friendly staff and volunteers on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 February from 11am – 3pm. Entry is free.
Lisa Yam, Chair of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM) said: “This is our 28th annual celebration and although we have had to make some adjustments to this year’s programme to allow visitors to safely enjoy the event, there is still lots for people to enjoy from live performances and entertainment to food stalls and a funfair. After several difficult years, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming in the Year of the Tiger which represents both bravery and strength.”
Jane Sharrocks, General Manager of Selfridges Exchange Square and Manchester BID Chair said: “This is the eighth year of collaboration between FCAM, Manchester City Council and Manchester BID on the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations. As one of Manchester’s most popular annual events, we were really keen to create a visually powerful installation in the heart of the city centre which can be enjoyed by visitors, city centre workers and residents.”
