A Cultural Guide to Chinese New Year in Liverpool
A Cultural Guide to Chinese New Year in Liverpool
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
2016 marks the year of the monkey and Liverpool is celebrating big.
As a city built by immigrants, we have a large multi-cultural population, and Europe’s oldest Chinese community.
Liverpool’s Chinatown was the first to be established in Europe and has brought along with it China’s vibrant and colourful culture to the city, which now boasts great Chinese restaurants, takeaways, and supermarkets. So, naturally, we have a great reason to celebrate.
Here are the top things going on in and around Chinatown that we think you should get involved in:
John Collins Funfairs
Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th February – 11:00am-4:00pm
Great George Street & Grenville Street
The funfair will boast rides for the daring and not so daring – so, whatever your age, you can enjoy this fantastic event. Ideal for the whole family!
1,000 Lanterns
Sunday 7th February – 11:30am onwards
Nelson Street
Starting on Sunday and staying in place for about a week, the traditional lanterns will line and illuminate Nelson Street during the Year of the Monkey celebrations.
Traditional Chinese Lion, Dragon and Unicorn Dance
source: https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/events/traditional-chinese-lion-dragon-unicorn-dance
Sunday 7th February – 11:30am-3:30pm
Nelson Street & Berry Street
Join in on the main event where performers in costume will kick off the celebrations with a traditional dance outside The Black-E and the Unicorn at St Luke’s Church.
Tai Chi Demonstration
source: https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/tai-chi-demonstrations
Sunday 7th February – 11:30am-12:15pm and 2:30pm-3:15pm
Great George Square
Take a break from the festivities’ hustle and bustle and find your inner peace through this traditional form of Chinese exercise by combining deep breathing techniques with gentle movements.
Want more information? Contact Mr Kenny Tam at 07973 637580.
Firecracker Display
Sunday 7th February – 1:00pm
Great George Square
Enjoy the spectacular firecracker display complete with music, and watch out for a special appearance from the ‘Lucky Man’ handing out red envelopes to children – a well-observed custom at Chinese New Year.
Black-E Celebrations
source: https://www.theblack-e.org
Sunday 7th February – 11:00am-5:00pm
The Black-E, Great George Street
Marvel at an exclusive Yang Style Tai Chi demonstration, kung fu performance, or a traditional dragon and lion dance at the Black-E during the Chinese New Year celebrations. There will also be a special gallery with a Chinese calligraphy exhibition and workshop, Chinese festive story telling, live music, and a few games of table tennis thrown in.
The event is suitable for all ages and will feature a café serving waffles, soup, and hot and cold drinks.
Wah Sing Chinese Community
source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wahsing
Sunday 7th February – 2:00pm-4:00pm
149 Duke Street
Wah Sing Community Centre will open its doors to the community to celebrate the Chinese New Year through song, dance, and entertainment. Join in the festivities with Wah Sing Singing and Dance Group, karaoke, lucky draws, Tibetan dance, gymnastics and Cantonese opera.
The Taste of China Sunday Street Market
Sunday 7th February – 11:30am-4:00pm
Great George Street
The Sunday Street Market is now in its eighth year and features everything from traditional Chinese cuisine to keepsakes and gifts – it is not an event to be missed.
Chinese Wellbeing Luncheon Club
source: https://chinesewellbeing.co.uk/evergreen-club
Tuesday, February 9th, 12:00pm-2:30pm
Tai Pan Oriental Restaurant – 52 Hanover Street
Celebrating diversity and well-being in the new year, the event will feature traditional Chinese cuisine, cultural performances and a lucky draw.
Reserve your spot by calling the Luncheon Club on 0151 7092643.
Liverpool Chinese New Year VIP Dinner
Sunday 7th February – 6:00pm-9:00pm
The Liner Hotel, Lord Nelson Street
Featuring an array of local and international performers, this spectacular VIP dinner will celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The event will feature international Chinese guest acts and a variety of local traditional and contemporary artists. Tickets can be bought for £25 per person at Hondo Chinese Supermarket on Upper Duke Street.
Want more information? Call Wah Sing Community Centre on 0151 7099842.
