Manchester’s Lunar New Year celebrations were bigger than ever this year, but did you know that the festivities were actually divided into two separate markets? One was the Hong Kong Zone, held on Market Street, while the other was the traditional Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. These two markets, although both celebrating the Lunar New Year, were organised by different ethnic communities and had very different atmospheres. Let’s take a closer look at how these two markets came to be and what made them unique! 🎊🎶
🏮 The Hong Kong Zone – Market Street’s Bustling Night Market Vibes!
With the support of Manchester City Council and The North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP), the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Manchester Yellow Economic Circle, and Moliuliu Store joined forces to create a lively and authentic Hong Kong-style Lunar New Year Market right in the heart of the city, on Market Street. This area is one of Manchester’s busiest shopping streets, making it the perfect spot to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant street market culture.
💛 Bigger and Better Than Ever!
This year’s Hong Kong Market was significantly bigger than the previous years, with over 110 vendors offering a mix of authentic Hong Kong street food, handmade crafts, and creative cultural products. Unlike previous years where stalls were more scattered, this year the market completely surrounded the Arndale shopping centre, creating a lively and immersive festival atmosphere. Many visitors commented that it truly felt like a Hong Kong-style Lunar New Year’s Eve Market, with the same kind of bustling energy you’d find in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair! 🏙️🎉
🍜 Food Highlights
One of the biggest improvements this year was the food stalls, which saw major upgrades in terms of variety and efficiency. Visitors were amazed by the range of Hong Kong street food available, including:
✅ Classic favourites – Fish balls, siu mai, egg waffles, and cheung fun 🍢🥢
✅ Unexpected surprises – Braised beef offal 🍲
🎤 Live Performances & Cultural Activities
The Hong Kong Market wasn’t just about food – it was a full cultural experience! The event featured live music, Cantonese pop performances, traditional lion dances, K-pop dance showcases, and even calligraphy demonstrations. Many visitors were excited to see local Hongkongers performing, as it added a familiar touch of home. The market also gave locals in Manchester a chance to experience a uniquely Hong Kong-style Lunar New Year celebration, different from the more traditional Chinatown festivities.
🐲 Chinatown’s Traditional Chinese New Year Celebration
On the other side of the city centre, Manchester Chinatown hosted its own Lunar New Year celebrations, which featured the traditional Dragon Parade, Chinese cultural performances, and plenty of Chinese food stalls. This event was organised by the more traditional Chinese community in Manchester, and has long been associated with Chinese organisations and businesses.
While Chinatown’s event has been a long-standing tradition in Manchester, in recent years, many Hongkongers have felt less connected to the celebrations due to political reasons. As a result, the Hong Kong community started organising their own Lunar New Year Market, creating a space where they could celebrate in a way that reflected their own culture and identity.
🏙️ Two Markets, Two Identities
The existence of two separate Lunar New Year markets in Manchester reflects the diversity within the Chinese-speaking community. While both celebrate the Lunar New Year, they cater to different cultural identities and histories. The Hong Kong Market on Market Street represents the growing presence of Hongkongers in Manchester, offering a celebration that focuses on Hong Kong culture, Cantonese traditions, and a more independent identity. On the other hand, the Chinatown celebration continues to uphold more traditional Chinese New Year festivities, with a strong focus on mainland Chinese heritage and cultural elements.
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