Gung Hey Fat Choy! 恭喜發財
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake during our Lunar New Year celebrations this February.
Nestled on the south side of Liverpool city centre is the iconic Chinese Ceremonial Archway, which was gifted to the city by Shanghai 25 years ago. Standing tall and visible from afar, it provides an impressive entrance to Chinatown, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. A popular tourist attraction, it is a beacon of fortune and the focal point for people to gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This year, we are thrilled to be able to host this age-old tradition once again. Symbolic Chinese lanterns will adorn the city, buildings will be lit up red, the dragon, lion and unicorn will parade the streets and the stage will return to Great George Square to host a programme of live performances. There will also be plenty of Chinese food to sample from the many food stalls, art workshops with make-and-do activities as well as street theatre, storytelling and the popular funfair.
All info and full calendar here
The Lunar New Year celebrations will culminate with a day of free fun for all the family on Sunday 2 February. From 11am until 5pm Chinatown will once again play host to the Chinese Dragon, Unicorn and Lion procession, food stalls, art workshops with make and do activities as well as street theatre, storytelling and the popular funfair.
A programme of live performances is planned on the Great George Square stage throughout the day.
| Sunday 2 February | Great George Square, 11.30am – 5pm |
| 11.30am – 12.15pm | Kwong Tam Merseyside School of Tai Chi (in association with See Yep Association) |
| 12.15pm – 1.00pm | Pagoda Arts – Tai Chi & Chinese Dance and Pagoda Arts Drumming Ensemble (Youth Orchestra) |
| 1.00pm – 1.40pm | Firecracker Display – Lucky Man, Dragon & Unicorn Parades |
| 1.40pm – 1.50pm | Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association – Martial Arts Demonstration |
| 1.55pm – 2.05pm | In Harmony Chamber Stars with Pagoda Arts |
| 2.10pm – 2.25pm | Wah Sing Chinese Community Centre – Chinese School Singing & Dance Performance |
| 2.30pm – 2.35pm | North East Wales Chinese Women’s Association – Traditional Chinese Dance: Good Start |
| 2.35pm – 2.40pm | Wirral Chinese Cultural Association – Classical Chinese Dance: A World Within a Flower & Nanping Evening Bells |
| 2.40pm – 2.45pm | Friendship Dancers – Traditional Chinese Dance – Chinese Fan Dance: Dancing Butterflies |
| 2.45pm – 2.50pm | UK Phoenix Chinese Cultural & Artistic Association – Traditional Dance: Apple Scent |
| 2.55pm – 3.10pm | Liverpool Chinese Gospel Church Choir |
| 3.15pm – 3.35pm | Tian Qiyi – Chinese Fusion Music |
| 3.40pm – 3.50pm | Movema Dance – Spring Harvest Medley |
| 3.55pm – 4.00pm | Friendship Dancers – Traditional Chinese Dance – Chinese Line Dance: In Love |
| 4.05pm – 4.25pm | Tian Qiyi – Chinese Fusion Music |
| 4.30pm – 4.55pm | Bring the Fire Project – Fire Finale: Serpentine Flames With Live Music From Renegade Snares |
| 5.00pm | Event Ends |
| * Timings are subject to change. | Please check website and social media for any updates. |
Event Date: Sunday 2nd February 2025
Location: Great George Square, Chinatown, Liverpool, L1 5EG