Europe’s oldest Chinese community is preparing to celebrate its biggest ever New Year party.
As part of the Liverpool’s 800th anniversary year, events planned for Year of the Pig will run over two days for the first time.
It kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday (February, 17 2007) with Tai-Chi demonstrations in the shadow of Europe’s biggest Chinese Arch on Nelson Street.
And on Sunday (February 18th 2007) a record 10,000 people are expected to witness an extravaganza of music and dance, with artistic workshops on Feng Shui, Chinese Calligraphy and Horoscope talks as well as a traditional Chinese market.
The visual highlight of the celebrations will be a Year of the Pig street parade featuring dance performances by a brand new 30 foot long golden dragon, a lion and unicorn and a golden lucky pig. This will run from 12.00 to 16.00
At 13.00 there is the Chinese New Year fireworks / firecracker display at Great George’s Square.
A fun fair will also be staged over both days from 12.00 – 23.00.
The Chinese God Of Wealth will also be in attendance, dressed in traditional costume handing our blessings of luck and sweets for children. It is believed those born in the Year of the Pig are said to be honest and loyal, patient and understanding and also highly intelligent.
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Warren Bradley, said: ”Liverpool’s Chinese community have played an invaluable role in the story of our city. It is only fitting that in our 800th year we celebrate their culture with the biggest New Year celebrations the city has ever staged.”
Liverpool’s Chinese New Year celebrations are organised by Liverpool Chinatown Business Association and Liverpool Culture Company.