Chinese New Year celebrations began in Manchester yesterday – with the return of its spectacular Dragon Parade for the first time in two years.
Thousands of people packed the city’s streets for the first Chinese New Year Parade since the start of the pandemic.
The dragon departed from Manchester Central before weaving its way to Chinatown.
The 175th dragon was accompanied by traditional lion dancers from the ChiMo Martial Arts Centre and performers in festive clothing. Celebrations continued in Chinatown with a live performance stage, fun fair, Chinese arts and crafts, and street food stalls.
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.”
Organised by the FCAM, this year’s festivities will have the city’s Piccadilly Gardens teeming with traditional street food stalls.
Manchester’s Chinese New Year festival will end on January 29 at 5pm with a final performance from the illuminated night dragon in Piccadilly Gardens.
