Manchester's Chinatown witnessed a grand celebration presented by members of the local Chinese community on Saturday, two days ahead of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 17 this year. With the theme "Reunion Under the Full Moon", this event, first of its kind in Manchester, offered the community a Chinese cultural feast through a feeling of family togetherness.
Tang Rui, China's consul general to Manchester, Carmine Grimshaw, deputy lord mayor of Manchester, and other dignitaries, leaders of local Chinese communities, representatives of international students, and over 10,000 local people attended the event.
In his speech, Tang Rui extended his blessings to the local Chinese and people from all walks of life in the consular district. He mentioned that the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important festivals for Chinese people, symbolizing the common expectation for a happy family and a peaceful country. He hoped that through participating in the activities, everyone could experience the infinite charm of the colorful Chinese festival culture.
At 2 pm, the celebration began with a garden tour, during which traditional music, dance, intangible cultural heritage, and classic Mid-Autumn games were displayed. There was folk music and enchanting performances of Tang Dynasty tumbler beauty, featuring tumblers in traditional costumes. Also, attendees experienced how to make mooncakes, paint sugar, practice calligraphy, draw lacquer fans, and appreciate tea, getting closer to traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, six classic Mid-Autumn games - pitch-pot, cuju, dice games, ring toss, gong shooting, and copper coin striking - brought interaction and fun to families.
In the evening, a festival gala and the moon worship ceremony continued to offer a taste of Chinese cultural experience to locals and visitors. Apart from ensemble and solo traditional Chinese music and dances, including martial arts demonstrations, ethnic costume showcases, and hanfu parade presented a unique taste of Chinese cultural diversity.
Under the Manchester night sky, the solemn rituals, graceful dances, and beautiful melodies created a unique spectacle, bringing joy to every participant.
The event was presented by the Manchester Chinatown Business Association and the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester, with support from the Chinese Northeast Fellow Association UK/China Northeast Business Association UK, and hosted by L Square UKCN. Participants said that the eight-hour celebration brought Manchester a cultural experience that blended the charm of history with modern appeal.
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