Manchester Chinese New Year Dragon Parade, which took place on Sunday 22 January, started at Manchester Central and made its way to Chinatown. Credit: Fabio De Paola/PA WireManchester Chinese New Year Dragon Parade, which took place on Sunday 22 January, started at Manchester Central and made its way to Chinatown. Credit: Fabio De Paola/PA Wire
Manchester Chinese New Year Dragon Parade, which took place on Sunday 22 January, started at Manchester Central and made its way to Chinatown. Credit: Fabio De Paola/PA Wire

Manchester Chinese New Year photos: fab pictures as dragon parade returns to mark Year of the Rabbit

Manchester celebrated the start of the Year of the Rabbit in style with the return of the Dragon Parade in 2023.

Manchester celebrated Chinese New Year at the weekend with the return of the spectacular Dragon Parade. Hundreds gathered at Manchester Central to watch the start of the procession, which then moved through the city centre and on to Chinatown, where the celebrations continued all day.

This was the first full parade in three years, having been scaled down due to the pandemic in previous years. It was organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester in partnership with Manchester Business Improvement District and Manchester City Council.

Lisa Yam, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM) said: “I’m very happy this year as we will welcome the return of the Dragon Parade. It has been two years since we have been able to wake up the dragon to bless the city. The Year of the Rabbit is sure to be a great year for us all.”

For anyone who missed out on the weekend’s events, there will be another chance to see the illuminated night dragon with a final performance in Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm on Sunday 29 January. Chinese food stalls will also be open there all week.

Here is a selection of fun photos from the parade.