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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Click here to learn more about the history of Liverpool’s Chinatown.