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Manchester’s legendary Dragon Parade is back to celebrate Chinese New Year 2023

A whole host of other celebrations will also taking over the city centre to mark the Year of the Rabbit.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 13th January 2023

Manchester’s legendary Dragon Parade is to make its way through city centre once again this year after a two-year hiatus.

As Manchester gets ready to celebrate Chinese New Year 2023 and mark the Year of the Rabbit, the popular Dragon Parade – which is known for attracting thousands of visitors from all across the region – is to bring a spectacular show of colour back to the city centre next weekend.

Organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM), in partnership with Manchester BID and Manchester City Council, the 175ft Chinese dragon will be weaving its way through the city’s streets on Sunday 22 January.

The dragon will be joined by traditional lion and ribbon dancers, Chinese Opera performers, twelve Zodiac animals, and Ancient Army characters.

In what is a new route for 2023, the dragon will perform outside Manchester Central at 12pm, before making its journey via Mount Street, to Peter Street, Oxford Street, Portland Street, Princess Street, Faulkner Street, and finishing off in Chinatown, where there will be a whole host of other exciting events to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

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There will be a live performance stage, a fun fair, Chinese arts and crafts workshops, and an authentic selection of street food stalls to make the most of in Chinatown from 12pm-7pm.

There will also be two glittering illuminated night dragon performances at 5pm and 6pm.

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Manchester’s legendary Dragon Parade is to make its way through city centre once again this year / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID

The Dragon Parade isn’t all we’ve got to look forward to for Chinese New Year 2023 here in Manchester though, as there’s plenty of other celebrations on the lineup for the full week too.

You may have already noticed that thousands of traditional red lanterns have appeared in trees up above to brighten the city’s streets, and on top of this, there’ll also be a week-long residency of traditional street food stalls in Piccadilly Gardens from Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 January, and a final performance from the illuminated night dragon to close this year’s festivities at 5pm on Sunday 29 January in Piccadilly Gardens.

Other venues participating in celebrations this year include Manchester Central Library, which is hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration for families from 12pm-4pm on Sunday 22 January with free crafts, Chinese performances, workshops and face painting, and Ducie Street Warehouse is hosting a Chinese Brush Painting workshop from 2pm-4.30pm on Sunday 22 January too.

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The popular Dragon Parade is known for attracting thousands of visitors from all across the region / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID

Dragon Parade Performance and Parade Times

  • 12pm-12:30pm – Performance outside Manchester Central
  • 12:30pm-1:15pm – Dragon Parade from Manchester Central to Chinatown
  • 1:15pm – Dragon Parade arrives at Chinatown
  • 1:15pm-1:45pm – Performances at Faulkner Street Car Park and Chinatown 

“I’m very happy this year as we will welcome the return of the Dragon Parade, as it has been two years since we have been able to wake up the dragon to bless the city,” said Lisa Yam – president of the FCAM ahead of this year’s celebrations.

“The Year of the Rabbit is sure to be a great year for us all.”

There will also be a whole host of New Year celebrations in Manchester’s Chinatown / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID

Jane Sharrocks – District Chair of Manchester BID – added: “This is the eighth consecutive year we’ve partnered with the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester on the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

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“We’ve adorned the city with thousands of traditional red lanterns once again for 2023 to help welcome in the Year of the Rabbit and we’re delighted see the return of the Dragon Parade which is always a real crowd pleaser and highlight of the celebrations.”

Featured Image – CityCo & Manchester BID

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Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a huge, free concert that’ll hark back to the 2000s. 

The hugely popular shopping destination, where visitors can save big on luxury brands, will be inviting customers to a totally free summer gig on a stage built on site. 

It’s part of the wider 30th anniversary celebrations, and will include a headline performance from a top-secret 2000s music act.

All they’ve revealed about the headliner so far is that they have a catalogue of number one singles and beloved hits… 

But also on the line-up that has been confirmed is a DJ set from Take That legend Howard Donald, and a hosting slot from Hits Radio DJ Kimberly Wyatt. 

There are still supporting acts to be announced in due course, with Cheshire Oaks promising ‘high energy and big personality’.

Taking place in the evening of Friday 6 June, the Cheshire Oaks 30th anniversary party will be free to shoppers and visitors.

And a select group of VIPs from the local community will have the opportunity to meet the mystery headliner in person. 

Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be giving back to its local charity partners, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House amongst others, as well as its staff and their families, with exclusive golden circle access for the best seats in the house. 

The anniversary gig is part of the shopping village’s ongoing celebration of its three-decade-long history.  

Earlier this year, Cheshire Oaks unveiled its 2025 Style Report, revealing that 63% of Brits now prefer shopping in person rather than online, as well as the resurgence of nostalgic fashion trends from the 90s, from baggy trousers to full denim looks.

It’s the UK’s largest designer outlet, with more than 400,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 165 brands.

Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it’s time to celebrate in true style.

“Over our 30 years we’ve built a real sense of community that makes this centre special and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.

“This summer’s music event, crowned by a secret headline act, promises to be a truly special experience, and a way that we can give back to the loyal customers who have trusted us to bring them the latest fashion trends since the 90s, we can’t wait to enjoy it with them.”

For more information about Cheshire Oaks and its upcoming summer gig, head HERE. 

Read more: You’ll soon be able to get your own at-home Reformer Pilates machine from Aldi’s middle aisle

Featured image: The Manc Group

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Tyler, The Creator at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for CHROMAKOPIA tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Tyler, The Creator is returning to Manchester and playing in the city’s newest live entertainment venue, Co-op Live.

The last time Tyler – or Mr Creator, if you will – found himself in our gorgeous city was just over two years ago when he headlined Parklife, sharing the bill with 50 Cent and Megan Thee Stallion as well as many more.

Now, he is playing his magnificent ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ album live as part of his world tour of the same name at none other than Co-op Live.

Tyler, The Creator gig guide

Tyler, The Creator is playing Co-op Live, Manchester, on 27 and 28 May.
Tyler, The Creator is playing Co-op Live, Manchester, on 27 and 28 May.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Tyler, The Creator UK tour dates

  • Sat 17 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Mon 19 May – London, UK – The O2
  • Wed 21 May – London, UK – The O2
  • Thu 22 May – London, UK – The O2
  • Tue 27 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Wed 28 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Fri 30 May – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Sat 31 May – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tyler, The Creator tickets for Co-op Live gig

If you’re after catching Mr Creator live in the flesh, this one might be tricky as there’s a hefty amount of people wanting to do the same thing, tickets for his 27 May show can be found HERE.

It’s a good thing he’s playing two dates otherwise getting your hands on tickets might’ve been sticky, you can browse all the options for 28 May date HERE.

Tyler, The Creator set list

  • St. Chroma
  • Rah Tah Tah
  • Noid
  • Darling, I
  • I Killed You
  • Judge Judy
  • Sticky
  • Take Your Mask Off
  • Tomorrow
  • EARFQUAKE
  • I THINK
  • Yonkers
  • Tron Cat
  • She
  • Tamale
  • Rusty
  • IFHY
  • LUMBERJACK
  • I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE
  • DOGTOOTH
  • SORRY NOT SORRY
  • Who Dat Boy
  • WUSYANAME
  • Thought I Was Dead
  • Like Him
  • See You Again
  • NEW MAGIC WAND
  • I Hope You Find Your Way Home

There are three tracks that act as interludes throughout the show too: ‘IGOR’S THEME’, ‘A BOY IS A GUN’ and ‘THANK YOU’.

What are the stage times for Tyler, The Creator in Manchester?

Tyler, The Creator is coming to Manchester and we're sure he'll be wearing something equally snazzy.
Tyler, The Creator is coming to Manchester and we’re sure he’ll be wearing something equally snazzy.

Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm meaning the ‘Flower Boy’ has enough time to sing ‘I Hope You Find Your Way Home’ while you get under the covers before midnight.

Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6pm with a kick-off time of 8pm and support from local Manchester talent Just Yaz hyping the crowd up beforehand.

There will also be special guest appearances from Lil Yachty and Paris Texas.

How to get to Co-op Live

Tram

For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bus

You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.

Getting there by car and parking

If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.

The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.

Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day, though estimates will obviously vary:

  • Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
  • Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
  • Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.

There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:

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  • Ashton Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
  • Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces

Walk/cycle

Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.

For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Wikimedia Commons / Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)

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