A day of celebrations in Durham city centre will welcome in the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese New Year, which begins on Saturday 25th January, will be celebrated with traditional music, dancing, storytelling, arts and more on Saturday 1st February.
Entry to the event is free and the range of activities have been organised by Durham County Council, supported by Durham Chinese School, Durham Markets, Durham University and the Chinese Students’ and Scholars Association (CSSA).
Lion dancers will perform in Millennium Place at 12.30pm in a tradition said to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year. The procession will then travel across the city centre taking in various points in Prince Bishops, Elvet Bridge, Framwellgate Bridge, River Walk and Market Place before visiting Clayport Library and finishing in Walkergate.
Durham Town Hall will host a range of activities between 10.30am and 3.30pm, including a tea-tasting ceremony, craft activities, calligraphy sessions and a chance to learn about Chinese horoscopes with Durham County Council’s international office.
A number of Chinese-themed performances will also take place in the town hall, including:
• Music and dance performances by St Oswald’s, Shincliffe, Langley Moor, Bearpark and St Margaret’s primary schools, who have been supported by university students.
• Traditional Chinese music, songs, dancing and a fashion show by members of the Chinese Students’ and Scholars’ Association.
Clayport Library will host language taster sessions and storytelling sessions between 11am and 2pm and children can also create Chinese-themed arts and crafts throughout the dayto take home.
Cllr Carl Marshall, the council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Last year’s Chinese New Year celebrations were a tremendous success, bringing big crowds to Durham, creating a fantastic atmosphere and helping to support our local traders. More than 3,400 people visited the town hall to take part in the free activities and watch the entertainment. Clayport Library welcomed an extra 1,400 people through their doors, compared with a normal Saturday.
“Events like this are a fantastic way for people to experience different cultures and traditions, whilst also enjoying an affordable day out. I’m sure the crowds will enjoy the many parades and performances we have lined up year.
“We’ve got another fun-packed day planned to welcome in 2020, the Year of the Rat. It’s set to be a vibrant and colourful event with lots to see and do and I hope that people of all ages will join us in the city to enjoy the free activities.”
