Lowdown: Liverpool’s Chinese New Year 2013

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style this weekend: get ready to dance, eat and party your way around Chinatown. Here's a rundown of what's happening.

January’s over. Phew. Officially the most depressing month of all time according to the SevenStreets Research Group That We Just Made Up, February’s finally here and things are looking up. Spring’s around the corner. Galleries are gearing up for their new season. Sound City just announced Dexy’s. Things are alright.

It’s also Chinese New Year this weekend. Hooray! As usual, Liverpool’s going big, and it’s set to be a rather brilliant weekend of Chinese festivities, food and frolicking in massive dragon costumes. Obviously. We’ve got the full rundown here for you.

(Liverpool Museums also have a set of activities right across the weekend as well - check here to see what’s on when)

Saturday 9th February

11am - 5pm: Soak up some culture with a Chinese art exhibition, along with workshops, held at the Black-E. £1 entry.

12pm - 3.30pm: Get some serious zen in your life this weekend, with a series of tai chi demonstrations along Nelson Street.

1pm - 4pm: Head to Williamson Square, where the bandstand will be taken over by Chinese arts company China Pearl. Expect gorgeous musical performances, dancing and drumming. A good way to warm up for the following day’s party.

Sunday 10th February

10.30am: The Black-E hosts a free dance workshop, where you can learn a snake-inspired routine to take to the streets later that morning, as part of an impromptu flash-mob. Or flasssssssssh mob. Because it’s, y’know, a snake. Oh, suit yourself.

11am: Things kick into gear late morning. The ace Chinese market sets up stall on Great George Street: expect delicious food, souvenirs and Chinese gifts.

11.30am: The eagerly awaited main celebration stomps and weaves its way through Chinatown. The dragon, unicorn and lion parades culminate with…

1pm: A spectacular fire cracker display in Great George Square, starring the lovely Lucky Man (pictured), who hands out red envelopes to kids. FYI - the envelopes symbolise good luck, and ward off evil spirits. We could do with a couple of those if you’ve got any going spare, Mr Lucky.

Chinese New Year
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th February 2013
Chinatown, Liverpool city centre
Free

Full details at www.liverpool.gov.uk/chinesenewyear