Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Event

On June 10, 2024, the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University successfully hosted a Dragon Boat Festival cultural experience event at Oakfield Infant and Junior Schools Federation, kicking off the school's multicultural week. Nearly 300 students and teachers participated, enjoying a series of performances and activities.

Rachel Mason, Gateshead Council senior official and school board chair, opened the event with a welcoming speech. Dr. Andrew Law, Local Director of the Confucius Institute, followed with remarks highlighting the importance of cultural understanding.

Wanxiu Chen, a Chinese teacher from the Confucius Institute, gave an engaging introduction to the Dragon Boat Festival. Performances included guzheng music, Yue Opera, classical Chinese dance, and a song combined with a calligraphy demonstration. The Peking Opera and dramatic face-changing (Bian Lian) performance was a highlight, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the students.

In addition to the performances, a raffle was held, with panda toys as prizes, delighting the lucky winners. The event received positive feedback from both students and teachers, with many expressing hope for similar activities in the future.

Oakfield Infant and Junior Schools Federation also posted about the event on their Facebook page, where it garnered enthusiastic responses from the community.

James Renwick, a cooperating teacher at Oakfield, praised the long-standing partnership with the Confucius Institute, stating, 'They have broadened our students' horizons with Chinese language classes and cultural activities. We are very fortunate to have such an excellent partner."