Spring Festival Hanfu Parade
10 February 2025
On the morning of 2 February 2025 (local time), the historic city of Newcastle upon Tyne welcomed its annual Chinese New Year Grand Celebration. Thousands of Newcastle residents gathered in the city centre to witness this vibrant event, featuring a spectacular parade, traditional Chinese artistic performances, and dazzling dragon and lion dances. Organised and sponsored by Newcastle's Chinatown and the City Council, the celebration saw the active participation of the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University (NUCI), which played a key role in the festivities. NUCI organised student volunteers for the dragon and lion dance teams, coordinated a vibrant Hanfu parade, and presented the event’s only three traditional Chinese cultural performances. The programme was led by NUCI teacher Ms Zhu Liujing and Professor Su Yuxiao, Chinese Director of NUCI, with support from CI teachers Lan Jin, Jia Ying, Xing Yi, and Xiao Lu. Many Chinese international students and NUCI learners enthusiastically took part, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere for the Spring Festival celebrations.
At 10:30 a.m., Chinese international students and NUCI staff, including Dr Andrew Law, the British Director of NUCI, gathered early at Newcastle’s iconic Monument. Dressed in exquisite Hanfu, they radiated energy and enthusiasm, attracting passers-by who stopped to take photos. At 11:00 a.m., the Hanfu parade set off as the first procession, leading the way towards the Chinatown Arch. Waving Confucius Institute flags and greeting onlookers with warm smiles, the participants formed a stunning and unique spectacle along the route.
Upon reaching the Chinatown Arch, a beautiful Hanfu dance performance, Ji Ming Yue (Contemplating the Moon), captivated the audience, bringing the event to its climax. The international students then joyfully chanted in unison, "Happy New Year! Wishing you luck in the Year of the Snake!" Their cheerful voices spread festive spirit and heartfelt blessings throughout the crowd.
Beyond the parade, the NUCI-organised performances beneath the Chinatown Arch were equally spectacular and unforgettable. The first act featured Jia Ying, a CI teacher, who opened the show with a lively kuaiban (bamboo clapper talk) performance of Nezha Conquers the Sea, impressing the audience with her rhythmic storytelling and expressive delivery. Following this, Teesside University student Zhang Wenrui, invited by NUCI, took to the stage in an elegant qipao to deliver a heartfelt rendition of the folk song “I Love You, Snow of Saibei”. Her soulful voice transported the audience to the vast, snow-covered landscapes of northern China.
Next, Newcastle University postgraduate student Lu Huilian, also invited by NUCI, enchanted the crowd with a mesmerising Guzheng solo, performing “China E” and “Glorious Chinese Music”. Her nimble fingers danced across the strings, filling the air with melodious notes that left the audience spellbound.
The event was not only a joyous celebration but also an opportunity for international students to preserve and promote Chinese traditional culture. It fostered cultural exchange and integration between China and the UK, allowing participants to experience the warmth and joy of the Spring Festival even while far from home.
Though the performances have ended, the unforgettable moments will remain in the hearts of the audience. The Confucius Institute will continue its mission of sharing Chinese culture, building bridges for cross-cultural exchange, and ensuring that the beauty of Chinese traditions continues to shine brightly overseas.
