Liverpool will be celebrating the Year of the Rat in style this Chinese New Year.
There will be festivities across the heart of Europe’s oldest Chinatown which will see traditional Chinese culture blended with modern performances including must-see street, stage and music acts.
From tomorrow (Friday, January 10), a number of buildings will be illuminated in red in honour of the New Year, signifying good fortune and joy to everyone.
And over the next few days, thousands of Chinese lanterns will adorn the city centre streets in the run up to the main Chinese New Year events on Sunday, January 26.
This year, as a result of the financial challenges facing the city council, the celebrations will take place on one day with a whole host of activities for families which are free or cost very little.
Cllr Wendy Simon, deputy mayor and cabinet member for culture tourism and events, said: “Our Chinese New Year event is always hugely popular and it's wonderful to see thousands of people come together in celebration of our much-loved Chinese community.
"The day is set to be a real spectacle and I’m delighted so many organisations work together to help us programme the day, which really feels like the kick-start of our annual events programme."
This year's event has been organised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese New Year Co-ordinating committee.
What's happening on the day?
As a result of the financial challenges facing the city council, this year’s free celebrations will all take place on the one day starting at 11am and finishing around 5pm on Sunday, January 26.
There will be a packed schedule of events taking place including aerial demonstrations, family workshops, a fairground along with the hugely popular dragon, unicorn and lion parades and firecracker displays.
The market will also make a return to George Street selling gifts, souvenirs and mouth-watering food.
In the Family Zone at Great George Square near the stage there will be activities on offer for all ages from 11.30am to 4.30pm.
There will also be storytelling sessions courtesy of the China Dream Stagecoach bus.
Don't miss street performances around the Chinatown area at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
Which buildings will be lit up red?
Buildings include the Cunard Building, Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall, Central Library, Picton Colonnades, Toxteth Library, World Museum, Open Eye Gallery, Everyman and Playhouse Theatres plus Mersey Tunnels George’s Dock Building.
Go to cultureliverpool.co.uk/cny for more details.
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