Manchester Museum invite all students to experience the magic of Mid-Autumn Festival during a day of celebration.

Also known as the Moon Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It honors the full moon, symbolizing reunion and harmony.

Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, admire the moon, and celebrate with lanterns. Rooted in legends like Chang’e, the moon goddess, the festival is a time for gratitude, reflection and togetherness across many East Asian cultures.

Join us in celebrating the festival on Sunday 5th October 2025 in the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, Manchester Museum with a series of fun activities for everyone:

Drop-in Lantern Making Workshop

10am – 1pm

Learn about traditional Mid-Autumn Festival rituals and games while creating your own lantern using paper, wooden sticks, and LED lights.

Drop-in Pop-up Card Workshop

1pm – 4pm

Design a pop-up card featuring a rising full moon. Add a heartfelt message and gift it to a loved one as a symbol of reunion and affection.

Mixed-Media Art Installation by Thomas Yuen

22 September – 5 October

This video installation reflects on the cultural and emotional significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival through personal stories collected from Chinese community groups across different regions. It offers a layered, diasporic perspective on tradition, memory, and belonging.

Special Gallery Tour with Dr Fang Zong

12-12.30pm & 2-2.30pm

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival? Can you spot the story of Chang’e in Manchester Museum’s gallery? Join this guided tour in the Chinese Culture Gallery to explore the festival’s meaning and symbols.