The Dragon Parade

Creative Tourist
The Dragon Parade, Chinatown Celebrations and Fireworks
Image courtesy of CityCo / Carl Sukonik.

The Dragon Parade at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 11 February 2024 Entrance is free

The showstopping highlight of Manchester’s Chinese New Year celebrations sees Chinatown and the city centre erupt with colour, music, performance and the legendary Dragon Parade.

Gather from 12 noon on 11 February to follow the dazzling 175-foot Dragon as it makes its dramatic way to Chinatown.

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon, 2024 marks the return of the legendary Dragon Parade to Manchester City Centre, snaking its way through the streets along with traditional Lion and Ribbon dances, Chinese Opera performers, 12 Zodiac animals and ancient army characters.

Chinese dragons, Manchester

Celebrations continue in Chinatown itself – we expect the usual classical Chinese lion dances, martial arts, music, acrobatics and more dancing. Street food can also be found here and our top tip, if you fancy a seated approach, is to get down early and bagsy a table with the best views of the parade and all the celebrations on the first floors of the restaurants lining George Street, Nicholas Street and Faulkner Street.

This is the sort of event that Manchester does so well – especially for families – with plenty of thrilling activity alongside great locations like the Art Gallery, Library and many great restaurants of Chinatown to duck into and explore on the way.

The Dragon Parade at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 11 February 2024 Entrance is free

Where to go near The Dragon Parade

The seats and stage in The Bridgewater Hall
City Centre
Music venue
The Bridgewater Hall

One of Manchester’s most important cultural buildings, The Bridgewater Hall attracts the biggest names in classical music.

Manchester
Restaurant
Midland Tea Room

Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

City Centre
Restaurant
ONDA Pasta Bar

ONDA is a treat for the tastebuds. Long dark wood tables are shared by eager diners, as tapas-style plates of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes are ferried around the restaurant.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Épernay

A discrete – perhaps even a little bit hard to find – bar that celebrates that fizziest of drinks: champagne.

Manchester
Restaurant
Asha’s

Asha’s serves modern north-west Indian cuisine in luxurious surroundings.

The French - One of Manchester's finest restaurants - Creative Tourist
City Centre
Restaurant
Adam Reid
at The French

The French is one of Manchester’s most highly regarded restaurants. Head chef Adam Reid has a real grasp on what makes Manchester tick. A less fussy, more relaxed, and, at times, gloriously silly restaurant.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry
The cast of 42 Balloons at The Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
42 Balloons at The Lowry

A remarkable true-story with a toe-tapping ’80s soundtrack, be lifted to new heights with this eagerly anticipated world premiere.

from £29.50

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