Thousands of people flocked to Macclesfield to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Silktown welcomed in the Year of the Snake on Saturday, February 1.

Over 10,000 people turned out across the day, up from 8,572 the previous Saturday.

Footfall peaked at around 2,000 people as crowds gathered to watch the drummers and dragon dance in Market Place at 11am.

Councillor Fiona Wilson, Town Centre Regeneration Champion, said: "The town council are delighted to see such a large turnout for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

"Our aim is to increase the footfall into town, while also bringing the community together to celebrate with each other, learn about the culture of others and improve their wellbeing.

"It was pleasing to see the town's cafés and restaurants busy and we are encouraged about the positive feedback from retailers."

Over 2,000 people watched the drummers and parade (Credit: MTC)

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The event was kicked off at 11am by Conundrum and a dragon dance from Macclesfield Scouts, drawing huge crowds to Market Place.

The zodiac animals created by the talented team at Macclesfield Community ArtSpace then joined the parade as everyone made their way down Mill Street, with shop owners and customers popping their heads out to join in the fun.

The parade finished outside the United Reform Church, where the crowds were invited inside to take part in craft sessions including shadow puppets, making hand print scales for a long paper snake and badge making.

Also on offer were samples of Chinese food which flew out in 90 minutes, and over in the Silk Museum were Tai Chi sessions, and traditional Chinese crafts such as paper cutting and calligraphy.

Shoppers popped their heads out as the parade made its way down Mill Street (Credit: Irene Lea)

All of the above was free to take part in, with Macclesfield Town Council also covering the costs of six local bus routes, so families could ride into town for free.

Councillor Wilson said: "Joining in the festivities myself, I could see how much residents were enjoying themselves, plus there is the added bonus of people exploring the United Reformed Church and the Silk Museum and all they have to offer, of which I am sure there will be many return visits.

"Our free to attend events make all the difference to families in these difficult financial times and support our town centre businesses."

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2025 is the Year of the Snake (Credit: MTC)

Mayor of Macclesfield, councillor Sandy Livingstone, added: "Each of us that comes to Macclesfield brings their own culture and traditions that enrich our town.

"Thank you to all of you who came to the Lunar New Year on Saturday."

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