On 26 April, Consul General Tang Rui attended a reception hosted by the Consulate General to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester. Nearly 100 people attended, including the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, as well as dignitaries from the consular district, representatives of the overseas Chinese community, and Chinese students.

Consul General Tang Rui stated that Prime Minister Starmer's historic visit to China earlier this year has brought new opportunities for sub-national cooperation between China and the UK. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester, and both sides have planned a series of celebratory activities over eight months, aiming to seize this favorable opportunity and promote the upgrading of the friendly relations between the two cities. Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Carmine Grimshaw stated that deepening the sister-city relationship with Wuhan is a key focus of Manchester's external work this year, and he believes that practical cooperation will help both cities achieve better development.

The art troupe of South-Central Minzu University, which is currently on a tour in the UK for the 2026 International Chinese Language Day cultural performances, presented a range of ethnic performances including Spirit of the Peacock, Flowers, and a solo Matouqin (horsehead fiddle) recital, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.