Liverpool welcomes Year of the Dragon in extended celebration of Shanghai link

Liverpool City Council is marking the 25th anniversary of its twinning agreement with Shanghai, in China, by combining the celebration with an extended events programme for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Shanghai’s waterfront Bund district is world renowned as a mirror of Liverpool’s famous Pier Head landscape.

Plans are under way to stage Liverpool’s biggest-ever Lunar New Year celebrations, taking place from Friday, February 9, to Sunday, February 11.

For the first time the free activities will not only take over the Chinatown area, but they will also bring a festival of colour and sound to the Bombed Out Church (St Luke’s), Liverpool One and the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

As well as the usual Chinatown takeover, which includes traditional dragon, lion and unicorn parades, firecracker displays, family workshops, Tai Chi demonstrations, live music, a fairground and food and craft stalls – Culture Liverpool has commissioned brand new cultural pieces to celebrate Europe’s oldest Chinese community.

These will take place in the run up to the main day of celebration on the Sunday, and on the day itself.

A packed series of events have been organised by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese Business Association.

Those supporting the event are Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool One, Arts Council England, Canal and River Trust, Liverpool BID Company and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Lunar New Year was formerly known as Chinese New Year. The name has changed to be more inclusive to those communities outside of China which also celebrate the New Year.

Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “The traditional celebrations have had a bit of a glow-up this year with a brand new name and new locations added which is testament to the scale, popularity and inclusivity of this event.

“In 2023 we welcomed more than 20,000 people on the Sunday alone and it was fantastic to see so many people come together in celebration of our much loved Chinese community.

“This year it’s bigger and better and we’re delighted that our friends at the Albert Dock are working with us to bring a bit of dragon spirit to their site which will look incredible.

“The day itself is guaranteed to be a real spectacle with a whole host of family-friendly activities which are either free or low cost.”

He added: “And it’s a fantastic start to this special anniversary year which marks our 25-year relationship with Shanghai. We’re hugely proud of the twinning and the many cultural exchanges it has resulted in. This will be the first of many events to mark this significant milestone.”

Secretary of Liverpool Chinese Business Association, Ming Wang, said: “As we say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit, we welcome the Year of the Dragon – a time which signifies power, success and good fortune.

“Once again, our local Chinese community, Culture Liverpool, and other organisations have worked tirelessly together to arrange a series of arts and cultural events for everyone to enjoy.

“It is guaranteed fun-filled with plenty of activities for children and adults to enjoy. Please come and join the celebrations.”

Sean Morrison, Estate Manager at Royal Albert Dock, said: “For the first time, we’re welcoming a floating dragon to the dock for what is guaranteed to offer three days of breathtaking performances.

“Let’s embrace the Year of the Dragon with joy, harmony and a celebration that reflects our diverse community and shared heritage.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director for Liverpool One, said: “At Liverpool One, our lantern decorations and activities have become an annual feature, allowing our visitors to join in the celebrations. We wish everyone a prosperous Year of the Dragon.”