Manchester's Mid-Autumn Festival marks China-UK ties

From Peking Opera, Chinese traditional instrument performances and handicraft workshops of intangible heritage, to a parade of Chinese-style costumes as well as a taste of Chinese food of course, the modern metropolis of Manchester in the UK embraced China's Mid-Autumn Festival over the weekend in its Chinatown.

The festival to appreciate the full moon and family reunions falls on Monday this year. Over 10,000 people in Manchester have braved heavy downpours and occasional drizzles in the past two days to experience the Chinese festivity that they say is "amazing and unique".

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carmine Grimshaw, said in the opening remarks at the celebration on Saturday that despite the heavy rains, "values had brought people closer no matter where they are from".

"Today as we enjoy mooncakes, music and amazing performances, we're also celebrating the bond between our communities and our lasting friendship between China and the UK," said Grimshaw.

He said festivals like this show that culture is alive when it is shared, and from traditional Chinese music, dance, opera, and (traditional Chinese dress) hanfu… "we all get a chance to experience the richness of Chinese heritage in a meaningful way. May the moon shine brightly on our friendships, our families and our future".

Consul General of China in Manchester, Tang Rui, said the Mid-Autumn Festival carries the common aspirations of people for family harmony and national prosperity.

"This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. While sharing moments of happiness and tranquility with countries around the world, including the UK, we must learn from history and work together to create a better future," said Tang.

Many locals had joined the celebration in their own way.

Henry Harris, a student from The University of Sheffield, put on a hanfu robe on the stage to play his role as Houyi, the mythological hero who shot down nine of 10 suns to save the Earth from scorching and whose wife, Chang'e, is a moon fairy. The couple meet once a year on Mid-Autumn Day in folktales.

"I know China has been through wars in history and therefore its people especially cherish reunion. That's why we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, for family reunion and a good harvest," he said.

Another local, Karen Cunningham set up a stand at the festival fair to sell homemade baked food for dogs.

"The festival is fantastic, a really good experience," she said. "The costumes impressed me the most and the show, dances, (I've) never seen anything like that before."