The Dragon Parade

Creative Tourist
The Dragon Parade, Chinatown Celebrations and Fireworks
Image courtesy of CityCo / Carl Sukonik.

The Dragon Parade at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 11 February 2024 Entrance is free

The showstopping highlight of Manchester’s Chinese New Year celebrations sees Chinatown and the city centre erupt with colour, music, performance and the legendary Dragon Parade.

Gather from 12 noon on 11 February to follow the dazzling 175-foot Dragon as it makes its dramatic way to Chinatown.

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon, 2024 marks the return of the legendary Dragon Parade to Manchester City Centre, snaking its way through the streets along with traditional Lion and Ribbon dances, Chinese Opera performers, 12 Zodiac animals and ancient army characters.

Chinese dragons, Manchester

Celebrations continue in Chinatown itself – we expect the usual classical Chinese lion dances, martial arts, music, acrobatics and more dancing. Street food can also be found here and our top tip, if you fancy a seated approach, is to get down early and bagsy a table with the best views of the parade and all the celebrations on the first floors of the restaurants lining George Street, Nicholas Street and Faulkner Street.

This is the sort of event that Manchester does so well – especially for families – with plenty of thrilling activity alongside great locations like the Art Gallery, Library and many great restaurants of Chinatown to duck into and explore on the way.

The Dragon Parade at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 11 February 2024 Entrance is free

Where to go near The Dragon Parade

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Blackpool
Museum
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

What's on: Families

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Winter Island

Freight Island has transformed into Winter Island for the Christmas season, focusing on all things fun and festive.

free entry
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The Twilight Trail

The Twilight Trail is an enchanting winter light show, launching at Freight Island over the festive season.

from £9.00

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