Manchester hosts its largest party yet to welcome in the ‘Year of the Monkey’, with thousands of red Chinese Lanterns decorating the city’s central shopping streets.

Events include a Chinese Food Market in St Ann’s Square with some of the city’s best eateries including Yang Sing and Rice Bowl, alongside an Asian Street Food Village on New Cathedral Street where vendors including The Hungry Gecko and Yo Sushi serve-up from a range of colourful carts.

Don’t miss an encounter with the glittering Giant Golden Dragon outside Selfridges, or the New Year Light Show – watch the façade of St Ann’s Church brought to spectacular life via a mix of stunning light projections that tell the story of Chinese New Year.

See large-scale graffiti artwork created as RareKind China artists Rainbo and Uncle splash the streets with colour; and enjoy live music, lion dancing, parkour runners, family friendly workshops and special shopping events.

At midday on Sunday 7 February, Albert Square will come alive with martial arts and dance displays. At 1pm follow the famous Dragon Parade to Chinatown, where you’ll find traditional performances, street food, music and acrobatics, a funfair and fireworks finale at 6pm.

Also on tomorrow, if you like some disco dancing, then come and join our partners VTown for a party to kick start the Chinese New Year.