Your what to do guide to Chinese New Year, The Year of the Monkey.
From the flamboyant and colourful dragon dancers to the delights and delicacies of Chinese cuisine, the UK has a host of Chinese experiences that’s sure to thrill and excite everyone. We’ve listed a number events from across the country to get you excited and geared up for Chinese New Year.
London
Celebrate in London, with the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia. The Chinese New Year festivities in Central London are free to attend and take place in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and across the West End on 14 February from 10am to 6pm.
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-2016-in-london
Birmingham
The Arcadian Centre once again plays host to Birmingham’s Chinese New Year. The free celebrations include; on-stage entertainment including lion dancers, acrobats, martial arts, traditional music and dancing, plus a kids craft area and fairground, market stalls and Far-eastern Food Festival. The festivities will begin at 12:30 with an opening speech from Birmingham’s Lord Mayor and conclude at 5pm with a spectacular Lion Dance and firecrackers finale!
http://cnybirmingham.org.uk/chinese-new-year-2016/
Manchester
Manchester hosts its largest party yet to welcome in the Chinese New Year. Starting on Thursday 4th February with food stalls on St. Ann’s Square, large scale Graffiti artworks from RareKind China artists Rainbo and Uncle Splash, a Tsingtao Beer Ping Pong Bar on New Cathedral Street to live music and family friendly workshops.
The highlight of the celebrations will take place in Chinatown and Albert Square on Sunday 7th February from midday. Watch out for the spectacular fireworks finale in Chinatown at 6pm.
After all that entertainment if you fancy a bite to eat – with a little extra ping pong action – The famous Yang Sing on Princess Street are hosting 4 nights of Ping Pong Cha. Why not pop along and enjoy some dim sum, ping pong and a cold Tsingtao, the genuine Chinese beer.
http://chinesenewyearmcr.com/
Liverpool
This begins on Monday 8th February. Liverpool is home to Europe’s oldest Chinese community. The main celebrations will take place on Sunday 7th February.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/liverpools-2016-chinese-new-year-10714494
Newcastle
Join the celebration on Sunday 14th February 2016 (11am to 4pm) as Newcastle marks the arrival of the Chinese New Year with a day of Chinese-inspired events, performances and activities for all the family. Newcastle Chinatown, Stowell Street Surrounding Areas.
http://chinesefestivity.com/
Enjoy the celebrations wherever you are – Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)