The countdown has begun until the Lunar New Year! For 2026, it is the Year of the Horse, and the Chinese New Year celebrations are always an annual cultural highlight. As is always the case, the North West will be stepping up to provide a range of memorable events to mark the Chinese New Year, with the United Kingdom’s diverse population ensuring that the Chinese community are appropriately honoured. And there are great opportunities for you to celebrate this yearly tradition!

Starting in Liverpool, it is the local body Culture Liverpool that are putting together the plethora of fun activities over the weekend of Saturday 21 February-Sunday 22 February, which will be based on Nelson Street, just off of the Chinese arch for the city’s Chinatown area, as well as at the world-famous Albert Dock. With a dragon parade, crafts fairs, markets, and other notable events planned, there is plenty of enjoyment for all the family. Culture Liverpool are requesting that creatives get in touch if they wish to participate, so you can get directly involved in the festivities yourself!

Heading up the M62 to Manchester, the major events will be taking one place one weekend earlier, on Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February. These will include the traditional dragon parade on the second day, and the Lunar New Year Fair that runs on both days across Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street. And do not forget to look at attending Chinese New Year celebrations in Chester, with dragon and lion dances, workshops, a banquet, and cultural performances amongst the highlights that are expected to feature in one of the country’s most beautiful locations.

Make sure to speak to our team if you are looking to enjoy the Chinese New Year activities. We can arrange transport for you to head to and from each major city, and the peaceful serenity of Royden Park acts as a quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Lunar New Year festivities.

It will no doubt be a true highlight of 2026 as the Year of the Horse kicks off!