On Saturday 25th January, Macclesfield celebrated Chinese New Year in style.
To welcome the Year of the Rat, Macclesfield Town Council in partnership with Macclesfield Community Artspace organised a dragon parade which set off from Market Place.
This was followed by a free event at the United Reformed Church.
The dragon was joined by the beautiful Ruby the Rat and Silky the Pig from last year’s celebrations to mark the year of the pig.
Before the parade set off, people enjoyed the sounds of Tytherington School Mandarin class choir in Market Place.
The parade made its way to the United Reformed Church at Park Green where people were welcomed with a chance to taste some authentic food.
Activities on offer included Chinese-inspired crafts, shadow puppet making, calligraphy and a chance to try on some authentic outfits as well as an opportunity to view the shadow puppet installations created by local schools and care homes.
Helena Gowler, community engagement and events officer for Macclesfield Town Council commented: “Once again, hundreds of people came out to enjoy Chinese New Year in Macclesfield.
“It was great to see so many people enjoying the parade despite the cold weather!
“Celebrating Macclesfield’s links with China is important to us and we couldn’t have done it without the help of all the organisations and volunteers involved.”
Photo by Keith Townley
