Looking to celebrate New Year in Liverpool? There are lots of events taking place in the city to celebrate the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year.
Effy, a BA Communication and Media student shares how she plans to celebrate the Year of the Snake in Liverpool:
As a Chinese student studying at the University of Liverpool, I’m excited to ring in the Chinese Lunar New Year with a blend of personal tradition and community celebration. This year, I’ve planned a gathering with two close friends on New Year’s Eve. Each of us will bring a traditional Chinese dish, representing a cherished part of the holiday’s culinary heritage.
I’ll be preparing Nian Nian You Yu (English name: Fish for abundance), a staple of Chinese New Year meals that symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year. My friends will bring cuisines from their hometown, both of which hold deep cultural significance and each dish represents the wonderful New Year wishes from different regions and cultures across China.
This dinner will also be an opportunity to reflect on the year past and express gratitude for the bonds we’ve formed. We’ll exchange well-wishes for the new year, wearing Chinese customs with our own personal touches, and create a warm, festive atmosphere in the comfort of my home. This small gathering will serve as a moment to connect, appreciate, and celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage.
Following this intimate celebration, I’m looking forward to joining the larger city-wide festivities in Liverpool with my friends. On Sunday, 2 February, I’ll be heading to the heart of the city to take part in Lunar New Year celebrations, which will feature the traditional dragon, lion, and unicorn parades. The parades are one of the highlights of the festival, and I’m excited to experience the lively performances, filled with music, dancing, and the mesmerizing sight of the dragons winding through the streets.
The atmosphere in the city promises to be electric, with the streets adorned with lanterns and the air filled with the sounds of celebration. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the cultural diversity of Liverpool and connect with the wider community, while also honouring the enriching traditions of Chinese Lunar New Year.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Liverpool: A Vibrant Fusion of Tradition and Culture
Let’s take a look at this year’s events, as they will be an enriching and new experience to all of us.
Liverpool, known for its diversity, hosts a series of events that bring together traditional Chinese culture and local flair, creating a unique festive atmosphere throughout the city.
One of the highlights of the celebrations is the Lunar New Year festivities, which will take place on Sunday, 2 February. Organized by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool and several other organizations, the day is filled with parades, including the traditional dragon, lion, and unicorn dances. These lively and colourful performances will wind through the city, filling the streets with energy and joy.
For those of us looking to enjoy a quieter, more intimate experience, there are family-friendly activities in Chinatown on Saturday, 1 February. This event will be held with craft stalls and workshops that provide a calm alternative to the loud celebrations of Sunday, making it a perfect way to immerse yourself in Chinese culture without the hustle and bustle of fireworks and music.
Another spectacular event is the Legends of Spring projection mapping at the Bombed Out Church (St Luke’s) on both the 1st and 2nd of February, where projections inspired by Chinese mythology and Liverpool’s cultural heritage will light up the evening sky. Created by Focal Studios in collaboration with Pagoda Arts, these projections are a visual treat, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions that shape the celebration.
If you’re looking for an early taste of the festivities, the Chinese New Year Gala at the Tung Auditorium on Sunday, 26 January is a must-attend. The event will present traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, and musical ensembles, this event showcases the talents of both students from the University of Liverpool and local schools.
In Liverpool, Chinese New Year isn’t just about celebration—it’s about embracing cultural diversity and unity, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Visit Culture Liverpool to find out more.