Three to see this weekend: dragon dances, a kickass concert and an afternoon with Warhol

Whether you fancy arts or music or you’re just going for the food, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your alley. The highlight of this weekend’s events is, of course, Chinese New Year but if you’d rather avoid the crowds, there’s plenty more to do. Here’s our picks.

Chinese New Year

There’s really no time for those January blues when the Year of the Rooster’s in town. Chinese New Year explodes into the streets of Manchester this weekend and, frankly, you don’t want to miss it. The party will centre in Chinatown and from there you can branch out to Exchange Square to witness the Terracotta Warriors or to St Anne’s Square where there will be loads of free shows for you to enjoy. Now let’s face it, what’s Chinese New Year without a little food? You’ll be happy to know that there’s traditional grub aplenty for you to chow down on between the festivities. Chomp your way through hot seafood dumplings whilst watching the Dragon Parade weave its way through the city centre. This riot of sound and colour is a must see for everyone and proves that you don’t need to head to China to celebrate Chinese New Year in style.

Joris Voorn at The Warehouse Project

Dutch techno DJ and producer Joris Voorn has joined forces with The Warehouse Project to bring his celebrated Spectrum show to Manchester’s Albert Hall this weekend. To pour some sugar on this already sweet deal, Voorn will be joined by house and techno legend Maya Jane Coles, along with Manchester resident Krysko and acclaimed drum and bass producer turned techno DJ, Trevino. If you’re a fan of techno, Voorn’s extended set in the Grade II listed former Wesleyan chapel should be something to behold. He’ll be playing everything from trance, to broken beat, to acid and beyond, so you have every reason to get excited.

Albert Hall, Manchester M2 5QR

Artist Rooms: Andy Warhol at The Whitworth

Let’s be honest, he’s probably the most famous Andy on the planet (apart from maybe Andy Murray). If you haven’t heard of him, quite frankly where have you been? His art centres around pop culture and was so iconic that it continues to be reproduced and replicated more than half a century later. This exhibition at The Whitworth brings to light Warhol’s macabre obsession with death, identity, politics and the so called American dream. Given the recent inauguration of President Trump, it’s interesting to see the way in which Warhol’s sharp critical opinions on America are revealed through his work and take on new meaning with each viewing. If it all gets a little too deep, there’s a coffee shop outside for you to grab a brew and cool down.

The Whitworth, Oxford Road M15 6ER