Manchester is preparing for a city-wide celebration this weekend as it welcomes in the Year of the Horse with markets, parades, performances and family-friendly events across the city centre.
From Chinatown’s iconic Dragon Parade to craft workshops at Central Library and a sprawling Hong Kong market takeover, the city is going big for Lunar New Year.
Dragon parade and Chinatown celebrations
The centrepiece of the weekend will be the annual Chinese New Year Dragon Parade on Sunday, weaving its way from Oxford Street to Chinatown before culminating in traditional festivities across the district.
Expect lion dances, cultural performances and packed streets as thousands gather for one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside London.
Central Library opens its doors
Manchester Central Library will host two days of free activities for families.
On Saturday (12pm–4pm), visitors can enjoy live performances, hands-on craft workshops, traditional dance, Chinese calligraphy stations and a Hanfu photo booth, where guests can try on traditional costumes. Sunday begins with a lion dance in St Peter’s Square at 11am, followed by stage performances, bracelet-making workshops and lantern and paper horse crafts throughout the afternoon.
A quiet space will also be available in the library’s Music Library for anyone wanting a break from the crowds.
Art, markets and film
Manchester Art Gallery is inviting families to take part in a horse-themed drawing trail across the weekend, encouraging children to explore the gallery’s collection before claiming a small reward for their creations.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market returns for its third year, transforming Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street into a vibrant showcase of Hong Kong culture.
More than 130 stalls and over 20 live performances will feature Cantonese opera, Chinese instrumental music, dance, lion ceremonies and Hong Kong short film screenings. Visitors can also take part in themed games and add their wishes to a large bamboo installation.
The market runs on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February and is free to attend.
Road closures in place
With large crowds expected, a number of road closures and parking suspensions will be in place across Chinatown and along the parade route from early Saturday through Sunday evening. Motorists are advised to check travel updates in advance, and Metrolink passengers should expect congestion around St Peter’s Square between 12pm and 1pm on Sunday.
A city celebration
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said the weekend promises something for everyone.
“There’s loads going on across the city centre as Manchester gets set to welcome in the Year of the Horse. It promises to be a fantastic weekend packed with cultural activities for all ages.”
With dragons in the streets, lanterns in the library and Hong Kong flavours lining Market Street, Manchester is once again proving it knows how to throw a party.
