INTU Trafford Centre are ringing in the Chinese New Year 2016 in style by hosting the region’s first ever Chinese Art Lantern Festival.

The festival – which launches next Friday February 5 – will provide an exotic range of sights, sounds and smells through acrobatic shows, lantern displays, intricate handicrafts and Cantonese cuisine just in time for Chinese New Year on Monday February 8.

20 foot high silk lanterns depicting the Terracotta Army, Chinese architecture, UK landmarks, flora and fauna and even Disney characters will create a winding path for visitors to explore between Kung Fu and acrobatic shows.

In addition, a DIY lantern workshop taught by the Festival Master of Crafts will allow families to make their own unique lanterns to bring home as a memento of their experience or hang on a Wishing Wall.

Dylan Zheng, marketing director at festival organisers, Youngs Investment Co., said: “This is the very first event in the UK that truly celebrates the traditional Chinese lantern festivals. It not only provides a unique opportunity for families in the North West to get involved in new experiences such as lantern workshops, performances and craft events, but also help the Chinese community to celebrate Chinese New Year in a spectacular fashion.”

Richard Paxton, general manager of intu Trafford Centre, said: “Every year, we welcome more and more international shoppers to intu Trafford Centre and last year, 38 per cent of our overseas shoppers came from China. We’re proud to have achieved the official China Welcome Accreditation and already produce a number of welcome guides in Chinese to make them feel at home while shopping and dining in the centre.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome such a beautiful, inspiring and interactive event to celebrate Chinese New Year. The biggest Chinese festival the region has ever seen, the Art Lantern Festival will offer a unique experience for the entire family to enjoy.”

The festival will be located on the Peel 7 carpark at intu Trafford Centre.

Running from 4.30-10pm every evening between February 5 and April 20, tickets start from £15.50 for adults and £10.50 for children and are available here.