Manchester welcomes the Year of the Pig!

The last time I saw Princess Street this busy was at last year’s Pride parade.

Like then, the roads were barriered off – although I'm not sure that this was particularly necessary for such a light hearted occasion, nor was the over abundance of the aesthetically challenged ShowSec uniforms.

The pavements were full to greet the Chinese Dragon which welcomed in the Year of the Pig, and the Chinese New Year celebrations. With unseasonably mild weather, blue skies and bright sunshine, it was a wonderful start to the New Year.

As the brightly coloured Dragon wound its way backwards and forwards into China Town, it played to the crowd, danced to the drum and held its majestic head aloft.

There were over 30 stations to the dragon, with plenty of helpers to swap out, as this is far more exerting than it looks - especially on a warmer day than expected.

When the Dragon arrived in the heart of China Town and danced around the Carpark, it was met with firecrackers and two smaller Dragons, both of different designs and very energetic. Having swapped greetings, the short ceremony began to open the celebrations.

Manchester Confidential wishes the city’s Chinese community a very Happy New Year!

Chris Keller Jackson

All images © Chris Keller Jackson