Liverpool will be bringing in the Year of the Rat in style with celebrations set to take place in the heart of Europe’s oldest Chinatown.
On Sunday 26 January, the Chinese New Year festivities will see traditional Chinese culture blended with modern performances to create must-see street, stage and music acts, aerial demonstrations, family workshops, a fairground along with the hugely popular dragon, unicorn and lion parades and firecracker displays.
The market will also make a return to George Street selling gifts, souvenirs and mouth-watering food.
As a result of the financial challenges facing the city council, this year’s free celebrations will all take place on the one day – starting at 11am and finishing around 5pm.
Building up to the main day of activity, over the net few days thousands of Chinese lanterns will adorn the city centre streets, and from Friday (10 January) a number of buildings will be illuminated in red in honour of the new year – signifying good fortune and joy to everyone. These buildings are the Cunard Building, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, Central Library Picton Colonnades, Toxteth Library, World Museum, Open Eye Gallery, Everyman & Playhouse Theatres and Mersey Tunnels George’s Dock Building.
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The event has been organised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese New Year Co-ordinating committee.
Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for culture tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Our Chinese New Year event is always hugely popular and it’s wonderful to see thousands of people come together in celebration of our much-loved Chinese community.
“The day is set to be a real spectacle and I’m delighted so many organisations work together to help us programme the day, which really feels like the kick-start of our annual events programme.
“This year, everything is taking place on the one day and it really is packed from start to finish. It’s the perfect family-friendly day out, with a whole host of activities which are either free, or cost very little – so it’s a great way for everyone to get involved in marking this special event.”
Secretary of Liverpool Chinese Business Association, Ming Wong, said: “On Sunday 26 January, we will celebrate the start of the Year of the Rat in great style as usual. There will be a vibrant busy atmosphere, food stalls, cultural events, family workshops, street entertainment and a fun fair. And of course, Dragon and Lion street parades, a spectacular firecracker display and look out for the lucky man who will be handing out red envelopes containing a surprise.
“Come along and bring your friends and family to join the all day celebration – we look forward to seeing you on the day!”
Animation programme details:
The Black-e, Nelson Street
11:30 – 11:40 Movema Dance Youth & Community Group – Chinese Fusion
Great George Square (Chinatown) 11:30 – 16:30
11:30 – 12:15 Kwong Tam School of Tai Chi (in association with See Yep Association)
12:20 – 13:00 Pagoda Arts – Flower Drums, Fan Tai Chi, Dance and Happy Dance!
13:05 – 13:45 Firecracker Display – Lucky Man, Dragon and Unicorn Parades
13:45 – 14:00 Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association – Martial Arts Demonstration
14:00 – 14:20 Wah Sing Chinese Community Centre Dancers – Traditional Chinese Dance
14:20 – 14:25 Friendship Dancers
14:25 – 14:30 UK Phoenix Qipao Chinese Cultural & Art Association
14:35 – 14:55 24 Festival Drums, Liverpool Guild of Students
15:00 – 15:10 Movema Dance
15:10 – 15:15 Friendship Dancers – Chinese Fan Dance
15:15 – 15:25 Wirral Chinese Association – Traditional Chinese Dance
15:25 – 15:35 North East Wales Chinese Women’s Association – Traditional Chinese Dance
15:40 – 16:30 Everyman Playhouse and Liverpool Confucius Institute – showcase of traditional and contemporary music, dance and song by Chinese students.
Family Zone, Great George Square 11:30 – 16:30
Adjacent to the Stage, the Family Zone will be animated throughout the afternoon with activities for all ages. There will also be storytelling sessions courtesy of the China Dream Stagecoach bus
Street performances, around the Chinatown area:
12pm
2pm
4pm
All times subject to change. Please check website and social media for any changes.
