MANCHESTER’S Chinese population is second only to London’s and its Chinatown is the third largest in Europe: little surprise, then, that Chinese New Year never fails to paint the city with colourful celebrations and attract thousands of visitors annually.

Next month’s programme, taking place from 4-7 February, illustrates just how far Sino heritage has burgeoned here since its humble beginnings in the early twentieth century; before Chinatown was gifted with an impressive peifang (gateway) and began to bustle with restaurants, grocers and cultural enterprise.

True to tradition, proceedings will culminate with The Dragon Parade...

2016's New Year festivities, heralding the Chinese Year of the Monkey, will take place citywide and additionally mark the 30th anniversary of the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art. A leader in Chinese visual culture, CCFCA will look back over three decades of representing prestigious artists such as Cao Fei and Lee Mingwei. A diverse programme will feature Northern Quarter street art tours, Hong Kong graffitists and exhibitions like Xu Bing’s Book from the Ground.

.Chinese New Year show in St Ann's, 2015

Of course, one of China’s most popular imports is its food - of which there’ll happily be no shortage. An Asian Street Food Village will host vendors like Yo Sushi and The Hungry Gecko, whilst St Ann’s Square will boast elaborate red marquees housing purveyors like Yang Sing and Rice Bowl. 

Visual spectacle is another key facet, with last year’s spectacular light show - featuring the animated story of Chinese New Year and thousands of glowing lanterns - returning to illuminate St Ann’s Church. Watching over the crowds in Exchange Square will be a glittering 60ft Golden Dragon whilst a procession of Lion Dancers will sashay through the streets. Hot on their heels will be the Parkour Monkey Runners, a troupe of daring acrobats and street dancers. Live music comes courtesy of local Chinese musicians, including Ling Ling and Harry Fung, with the Confucius Institute providing special Saturday entertainment.

Chinese New Year 2015

 

For children, there’s yet more to engage; with craft workshops including calligraphy, origami and even emojis.

True to tradition, proceedings will culminate with The Dragon Parade, in which a 175ft dragon and its lively entourage weave their way from Albert Square to Chinatown; followed by performances, funfair and a firework display.

We think that’s enough incentive for monkeying around, whatever your age.

Chinese New Year takes place citywide from 4-7 February: Find all the info at chinesenewyearmcr.com