It's Chinese New Year on Sunday 2nd February, and as you'd expect Manchester's Chinese community are making a right meal of things. With food markets, banquets and much more, why not take this chance to try something new on your doorstep.
1. Chinese New Year Banquet with lion dance troupe at Yang Sing
Many restaurants don't take bookings on Chinese New Year, as its such as crazy time in Chinatown. So why not secure your seat at one of the best tables in town. This year, Yang Sing are offering a five course banquet in their sumptuous private dining rooms. Diners will enjoy entertainment from Master Chus lion dance troupe, a fan dancer and martial arts performances for £37.50 per adult with children under 10 half price. (Sun 2 Feb, Yang Sing, 34 Princess Street, M1 4JY. Tel: 0161 236 2200, 12.30pm-4pm, £37.50 half price children, www.yang-sing.com).
2. Chinese Food Market in St Ann's Square
St. Ann's Square plays host to a Chinese food market - where Yang Sing will also be popping up with a selection of juicy Cantonese style roasted meats and dim sum dumplings alongside a host of the city's finest Chinese food purveyors (Thu 30 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, St Ann's Square, City Centre, noon-9pm, FREE).
3. Dragon Parade in the city centre for FREE
Manchester is famous for it's Chinese New Year celebrations with good reason. Starting at 1pm on Chinese New Year, a 175ft Dragon will dance from Albert Square to Chinatown, where entertainment will include street food stalls, martial arts, a funfair, traditional dance and performances, alongside traditional Chinese arts where families can learn skills including calligraphy, origami and tangrams. The day will end with an fireworks display at 6pm. (Sun 2 Feb, Albert Square to China Town, City Centre from 1pm, FREE)