Macclesfield celebrates Chinese New Year

On Saturday 2^nd February 2019, Macclesfield will be celebrating its China silk links with a Chinese New Year celebration event organised by Macclesfield Town Council.

Following a Chinese dragon parade from Market Place, everyone is welcome to the free event at the United Reformed Church for a photo opportunity with the dragon, to taste authentic Chinese food, view themed art installations and enjoy some art and craft activities. There will also be a unique opportunity for families to take part in a workshop to have a go at the Guzheng instrument, guided by a musician from the Manchester Chinese Centre.

Food will be served until 2:30pm and the art installations will remain at the United Reformed Church to be viewed until Wednesday 6^th February.

Macclesfield Town Council has commissioned Macclesfield Community Artspace to work with local schools to produce Chinese themed artwork. This will be displayed at the event. The two art installations featured will be ‘A Whisper of Moths’ and ‘Great Wall of Friendship’. Children involved with creating these are invited to join in with the dragon parade which will leave Market Place at 11:45am, travelling to the United Reformed Church at Park Green for the opening of the event at midday.

Helena Gowler, Community Engagement Officer for Macclesfield Town Council commented that ‘This is the first time we have held this event and if it is well received, we will look to build on this year after year. This is a free event for the community and we hope to see lots of people there’.

Councillor Gareth Jones, Chair of the Silk Friendship Group said ‘The staff and councillors at Macclesfield Town Council have been working on this event for some time. We are looking forward to welcoming local people and visitors to a community event that will celebrate Chinese New Year (Year Of The Pig) and highlight the Silk Heritage that Macclesfield has to offer.’