With the new year fast approaching, Hong Kong Cultural Community and co-organisers have announced that a Lunar New Year Market will be making a return to Manchester in 2025. Featuring more than 110 diverse vendors, the market is set to double in scale, offering a mix of cultural festivities, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant performances.
The event, which will mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake, will take place on February 1 and 2, 2025 at Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street, known for hosting Manchester’s renowned Christmas Markets. Building on last year’s success which welcomed over 30,000 visitors, the two-day Lunar New Year Market in Manchester promises to “captivate over 60,000 attendees” and aims to be “more than just a shopping destination”.
Andrea, the Director of Hong Kong Cultural Community, said: “Lunar New Year transcends national boundaries and is not limited to any single Asian culture. We are excited to share our history and culture, celebrating diversity with everyone in Manchester.”
Visitors can expect live music performances such as Cantonese New Year songs, Hong Kong Cantopop, and English pop covers, performed with piano, guitar, and cello. There will also be magic acts inspired by Chinese traditions, Cantonese opera, dance performances featuring K-pop, hip-hop, and children’s dance groups, as well as belly dancing and the soothing melodies of the traditional Chinese guzheng instrument.
Plus, there will plenty of an array of authentic Asian dishes to indulge in, including ramen, siumai dumplings, thousand-layer cakes, and caramel pudding cheesecakes. You can try traditional Lunar New Year snacks alongside creative fusion foods and quench your thirst with bubble teas, specialty coffees, craft beers, and fruity mocktails, whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
The Lunar New Year Market in Manchester city centre will also feature an extensive selection of handmade goods, including hand-pressed flower jewellery, macramé accessories, millinery flower designs, and artisanal candles. Shoppers will also find intricate resin art, bespoke clothing, and repurposed luxury silk scarf accessories, and have the chance to take home treasures such as traditional Fai Chun calligraphy scrolls, zodiac-inspired ornaments, and beautifully crafted Lunar New Year decorations.
The event will take place on Saturday 1st February and Sunday 2nd February 2025 and has been organised by Hong Kong Cultural Community, Moliuliu Store, and Yellow Economic Circle, with support from Manchester City Council and the North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP).