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Warrington will celebrate the Year of the Snake for Lunar New Year, with the town centre transforming into a festival of colour and sound.
Last year, Liverpool’s Hung Gar Kung Fu School wowed audiences with their lion and dragon dances and martial arts demonstration in Queens Gardens and Time Square. This year promises even more for visitors and locals alike, with a packed schedule to mark this significant cultural event.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions across East and Southeast Asia and is a wonderful opportunity for communities to come together. Warrington’s celebrations will showcase traditional customs and offer residents and visitors the chance to explore and enjoy everything the Lunar New Year has to offer.
Taking place across Golden Square Shopping Centre, Time Square, Warrington Market, Central Library, and Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, the festival will include live performances, workshops, and food offerings suitable for all ages.
The headline act will once again be the Dragon and Lion Dance, a spellbinding performance that will take place across the town centre throughout the day.
Building on the success of last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations, Warrington is set to bring the festival back for 2025 with an exciting programme of events and activities.
11am-2pm
The Lunar New Year celebrations will begin on Saturday, February 8th, with a day of family-focused activities at Warrington Central Library and the Warrington Museum and Art Gallery.
From 11am to 2pm, families can enjoy crafts, trails, and refreshments in a welcoming environment, courtesy of LiveWire. This relaxed and engaging start to the festivities is perfect for families looking to get involved in the celebrations.
10.30am – 4pm
Sunday, February 9th, is the main event, with activities running across Warrington town centre.
Visitors will find a full day of free activities, including the iconic Dragon and Lion Dance, dance performances, live music, and arts and crafts workshops. The programme will also feature K-Pop routines, face painting, and more, creating an engaging and interactive celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Golden Square, Time Square, and Warrington Market will all host different parts of the day, ensuring there is plenty to see and do as you explore the town centre
The headline performances will be delivered by Liverpool’s Hung Gar Kung Fu School, whose lion and dragon dances and martial arts displays have been a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations for many years. They will perform in Time Square and Golden Square, offering an unforgettable experience for all.
Movema Dance Company will lead a range of workshops and performances throughout the day. Families can take part in dance sessions, learning fun routines inspired by Lunar New Year traditions. Movema will also host QiGong workshops, which help participants relax and focus on their breath and movement as they welcome the New Year. Their artists will perform informal routines around the venues, with some featuring their unique Feng Huang bird costume for added flair.
Golden Square will play host to Law.GICAL, whose Symphony of Light will bring together music celebrating the Lunar New Year, including traditional songs, local pieces, and Cantonese pop.
Meanwhile, the K-Pop group One Kiss will bring energy and excitement with their dynamic performances at Golden Square and Time Square.
11am-4pm
The Makers Market will hold its monthly event on Sunday, February 9th, from 11.00am to 4.00pm, with an expanded layout for the occasion.
Stalls will extend onto Bridge Street and Time Square, featuring additional traders showcasing goods inspired by the Lunar New Year, alongside the market’s regular selection.
From crafts to unique finds, the market provides a great way to support local traders while enjoying the celebrations.
Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts with workshops led by Mulan, based in Golden Square.
These sessions will include making pinwheels and practising Chinese calligraphy, writing characters that represent good fortune and blessings.
Each session is led by skilled instructors, creating an enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. Face painting inspired by Lunar New Year designs will also be available, adding a fun touch for younger visitors.
In addition to the street food stalls at Cookhouse and the Makers Market, Warrington’s town centre eateries will be offering dishes from countries where Lunar New Year is celebrated.
From traditional snacks to full meals, there will be plenty of opportunities to savour new flavours and cuisines as part of the celebrations.
To be able to join in the celebrations of the Lunar New Year in Warrington, there are many different ways you can get to the town centre. Warrington has a variety of public transport options, whether it’s by bus or train.
If you’re hopping on a bus for the event then Warrington Bus Interchange, on Winwick Street, WA1 1TS, has all the latest timetables and routes, or you can visit their website.
If you’re journeying in by train then Warrington Central is just a five minute walk-away from the town centre and has connections from the Northern Line, operating from Manchester and Liverpool.
Those who are driving in, there’s also plenty of free car parking available. Parking is free in Warrington on a Sunday and the nearest car parking facilities will be at Time Square Multistorey Car Park, WA1 2HN, or Golden Square Multistorey Car Park, WA1 1UZ.
There are lots of green ways to travel into Warrington town centre including cycling and walking. For further information visit: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/cycling.
Warrington’s Lunar New Year will be delivered through a partnership with Warrington Borough Council, Warrington BID, Golden Square Shopping Centre and Warrington Market.
Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the festival aims to bring communities together to celebrate Warrington’s growing cultural diversity while providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the traditions of Lunar New Year.
Cllr Tony Higgins from Warrington Borough Council, said: “The Lunar New Year celebrations are a wonderful opportunity for Warrington to come together and enjoy this cultural tradition. It’s fantastic to see the event growing year on year and we’re proud to work with our partners to bring it to life for the local community and visitors.”
Amy Dawber, Warrington BID Manager, said: “Lunar New Year has become a key event in Warrington’s calendar, offering something for everyone and celebrating the town’s diversity. This year’s programme will build on last year’s success and we look forward to welcoming visitors for a weekend of culture and connection.”
If you have any queries about the event, or would like to know more then feel free to contact us using the information below and we’ll try our best to help.
You can also sign up to our mailing list or catch us on socials to ensure you’re the first to know all about the free activities taking place across the weekend, and where everything will be located.
The voice of the town centre brought to you by the businesses of Warrington BID