Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! 新年快乐 Happy Chinese New Year!
In 2024, we welcomed the Year of the Dragon during our Lunar New Year celebrations.
Nestled on the south side of Liverpool city centre is the iconic Chinese Ceremonial Archway. Standing tall and visible from afar, it provides an impressive entrance to Chinatown, home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. A popular tourist attraction, it is a beacon of fortune and the focal point for people to gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This year, we were thrilled to be able to host this age-old tradition in person once again. Symbolic Chinese lanterns adorned the city, buildings were lit up red, the dragon, lion and unicorn paraded the streets and the stage returned to Great George Square and hosted a programme of live performances. There was also plenty of Chinese food to sample from the many food stalls, art workshops with make-and-do activities as well as street theatre, storytelling and the popular funfair.
Expanding the celebrations, crowds enjoyed new and exciting commissions by outdoor art experts Walk The Plank and Focal Studios and fiery thrill-seekers Bring The Fire, which saw vibrant Dragon inspired action with fire, flames, projections and street animation taking place across St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, Liverpool BID, Liverpool ONE and the Royal Albert Dock.
Celebrations took place on Friday 9 February and continued until Sunday 11 February, with a grand finale. Relive the spectacular Lunar New Year celebrations with our highlights video below!
This event was organised by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese Business Association and support from Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool ONE, Arts Council England, Canal & River Trust, Liverpool BID Company and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.