Pictures John Hopkins
WARRINGTON town centre was transformed into a festival of colour and sound as it welcomed the Year of the Dragon for Lunar New Year.
Organised by Warrington Borough Council in partnership with Warrington Business Improvement District (BID), Culture Warrington, Live Wire and Independent Street Markets a host of free activities planned throughout the day.
The East Asian festival included an authentic lion and dragon dance, symbolising good luck, health, and prosperity, a martial arts demonstration, arts and craft workshops, live music, face painting, traditional western foods and up to 50 artisan market stalls.
Amy Dawber, Warrington BID Manager, said: “This was the first time we have held an event of this kind in Warrington and we felt it was important to celebrate the town’s rich culture and diverse communities.
The event was held across Queen Gardens in Palmyra Square, Time Square, Warrington Market, Warrington Central Library and Warrington Museum and Art Gallery.
Visitors enjoyed fun with Liverpool’s Hung Gar Kung Fu School performing a lion and dragon dance as well as a martial arts demonstrations.
Organisers also commissioned indoor activities in Warrington Central Library and Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, in partnership with Mulan Culture. This included free arts and crafts workshops, from 3D printing dragons to calligraphy, birth year badge, paper flower making as well as displays of the museum’s full collections to celebrate Lunar New Year.
“The Year of the Dragon is said to foster growth, progress and abundance in Chinese culture – let’s hope it does just that for Warrington,” added Amy, “to everyone who is celebrating we wish you all a Happy New Year.”
Warrington’s Lunar New Year Festival is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Warrington BID is committed to enhancing and promoting Warrington town centre as a thriving and vibrant destination for businesses, residents, and visitors. Their efforts include supporting events such as this and initiatives that bring the community together while supporting local businesses.
Popped into town for Warrington’s Lunar New Year festivities – celebrating the Year of the Dragon.
A wonderful event! The town centre was transformed into a festival of colour & sound. Well done @WeAreWarrington & all involved!
To everyone celebrating “Xīnnián hǎo” (新年好) pic.twitter.com/WACRUEkgpL
— Sarah Hall (@Sarah_Hall81) February 18, 2024
Some fantastic Lunar New Year celebrations in town today! I loved how many kids had come dressed as dragons and dinosaurs to see the dragon dancers 🥹❤️ 🐉
Xīnnián hǎo 新年好 to everyone celebrating! pic.twitter.com/06BkxoQyku
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) February 18, 2024
