Chinese New Year Celebration 2024

On February 11th, the second day of the Chinese New Year in the Year of the Dragon, Confucius Institute at Newcastle University, in collaboration with Newcastle City Council and the local Chinese community, hosted a spectacular Chinese New Year parade celebration.

With significant support from the Newcastle City Council, several roads in the city center were closed to facilitate the event, with thorough medical and security arrangements in place. Distinguished guests such as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Veronica Dunn, Mayor of Gateshead, Elieen McMaster, and Councillor Alex Hay, Cabinet Member For Thriving City, delivered enthusiastic speeches, extending warm New Year wishes to the Chinese community and all participants.

The event attracted numerous local residents, with cheering crowds lining the route from Grey Monument in Newcastle city center to Chinatown, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

The parade featured performances from various groups, including the Edmund Ng Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu, lion and dragon dance clubs, Newcastle Chinese School, Heaton and Newcastle Chinese Health Living Center etc. Notably, the contingent jointly organized by Confucius Institute at Newcastle University and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association was the largest, showcasing traditional Chinese Hanfu and ethnic costumes. The participants, adorned in splendid Hanfu and traditional ethnic costumes, interacted with spectators, exclaiming "Happy Chinese New Year" along the route, leaving a lasting impression. The inclusion of Chinese dragon and panda mascots was particularly appealing to children, enhancing the joyful atmosphere.

Following a cacophony of firecrackers, the highlight of the event was the dragon and lion dance performances, with a significant portion of the performers being students and volunteers from Confucius Institute.

The event concluded with various stalls set up in Chinatown, offering delicious snacks and diverse cultural exhibits. Confucius Institute's stall, showcasing cultural artefacts and information about its activities and courses, served as a platform for interaction and community engagement, further enhancing its presence in the local community.

The successful organization of this event, marked by months of preparation and dedication from the Confucius Institute team, underscores its pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture within the local community.