Stockport will celebrate Chinese New Year virtually with counterparts in the Chinese city of Kaifeng.
Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Friday, February 12, and marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrations will be held virtually. Kaifeng is a former medieval capital of China in Henan Province, 370 miles South-west of Beijing. Stockport has formally established friendly relations for more than 10 years with the city of 4.5 million. Local governments from Kaifeng and Stockport carry out many exchanges including official visits, education and culture.
In previous years Stockport Council has assisted with the organisation of the Chinese New Year programme, including celebrations at our historical Plaza theatre where artists from Kaifeng have displayed their talent.
Cllr Dean Fitzpatrick, Mayor of Stockport, said:
I send my gratitude to Kaifeng City Council and Kaifeng Cultural bureau in facilitating many enjoyable and enriching occasions over the past 10 years. Over the years we have received a great level of positive feedback on the events both locally and regionally.”
Lixiang Yu, Mayor of Kaifeng, said:
I would like to extend my cordial greetings to the Mayor of Stockport. Especially as we have hosted traditional Chinese New Year celebrations in the past four years.”
Stockport Council would like to wish the Chinese community a happy and safe New Year and urges any residents celebrating to celebrate safely with just your household or support bubble.
Join the mayors of Stockport and Kaifeng in looking back at past celebrations to celebrate this Chinese New year safely on the Stockport Council website.