This year’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Liverpool will shine brighter than ever with the unveiling of two spectacular new lantern centrepieces: a majestic horse and a pair of powerful dragons.
Specially commissioned for Liverpool by Culture Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Liverpool ONE, these breathtaking illuminated sculptures take centre stage in the city’s festive programme.
Symbolising strength, prosperity and renewal for the Year of the Horse, the lanterns have been crafted by The Pyro Studio and Event Design Company Ltd, renowned creators behind some of the world’s most celebrated Lunar New Year light festivals. Their expertise brings together artistry, cultural storytelling, and technical brilliance to create a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Each installation has been meticulously handcrafted in Zigong, China, the global heart of traditional lantern-making, by master artisans and engineers at SC Genial Tech. Using age‑old techniques refined over generations and enhanced with modern innovation, they have produced radiant sculptures rich in cultural significance and dazzling in scale.
Commissioned especially for Liverpool as home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, these illuminated giants promise an immersive experience designed to captivate residents and visitors of all ages, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration space for the Year of the Horse.
Alongside the impressive lantern installations, you’ll also spot thousands of small red lanterns displayed across the city. Red lanterns are one of the most recognisable and traditional decorations used during Chinese New Year, symbolising good fortune, joy, prosperity, and the welcoming of a bright future. They are widely used across China and global communities celebrating Lunar New Year, making them an international symbol of the festival.
