31/1/2025
On the morning of Thursday, 30 January, 72 Year 3 and Year 5 pupils from Florence Nightingale and Henry Whipple Primary Schools took part in a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration in the Trent Building on University Park Campus. The young students engaged in language taster sessions and creative crafts workshops led by NCI teachers.
During the hour-long language taster, they explored the legends behind Chinese New Year, learned traditional nursery rhymes, played interactive games, and had plenty of fun. The crafts session introduced them to the art of Chinese paper cutting, where they created beautiful window flowers and intricate 3D "spring" characters— Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival.
As night fell, the excitement grew as over 300 university students gathered at the Jubilee Campus Atrium to welcome the Year of the Snake. Organised by the University of Nottingham Residential Team in collaboration with NCI and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), the evening was filled with celebration.
Festivities began at 7:00 PM with a lively lion dance, setting the tone for the night. This was followed by a series of performances, including singing, dancing, and a beautiful guzheng performance by some very talented CSSA student musicians. The 30-minute showcase concluded with an impressive face-changing act, earning rounds of energetic applause from the audience.
Adding to the immersive cultural experience, two hands-on activity stations—traditional calligraphy and papercutting—were led by NCI teachers and volunteers. These stations were packed throughout the evening as students eagerly practiced writing the auspicious "福" (Fu, meaning "blessing") character on red couplet papers and carefully crafted intricate zodiac-themed cuttings to take home as lucky keepsakes.
Though the event was set to conclude at 9:00 PM, the joyful atmosphere made it hard for attendees to say goodbye. Many lingered, reluctant to leave, until they were gently ushered out—proof of just how enjoyable the night was.
What an exhilarating and unforgettable way to welcome Chinese New Year!
~ENDS~
Posted on Wednesday 19th February 2025