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Welcome in the Year of the Horse with a spectacular fireworks display and traditional Chinese dancing at Lakeside Arts Centre at The University of Nottingham.
Members of the public are invited to join in the celebrations at a free event being held to mark Chinese New Year on Sunday 2 February from 4.30pm – 6pm at Highfields Park.
The outdoor event will be compared by BBC Radio Nottingham’s Mark Dennison and will include a Lion Dance, a Dragon Dance, traditional music on hulusi and flute by Yang Zhao, dancers from Nottingham Chinese School and many other mesmerising performances. The evening will culminate with an impressive firework display across the lake.
Celebrating across the county
A programme of events is also being held across the city with partner organisations Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Nottingham city in the run-up to the celebrations at Lakeside.
On Saturday 1 February between 1pm and 5pm families will have the opportunity to hear traditional Chinese stories and songs at the Civic Centre in Arnot Hill Park in Arnold. They will also be able to take part in a variety of Chinese inspired arts and crafts including lantern making.
On Sunday 2 February families in Rushcliffe will be able to have a go at Chinese inspired arts and craft activities and traditions between 2pm and 4pm at the Sir Julien Cahn Pavilion, West Park, Loughborough Road in West Bridgford.
Also on Saturday 1 February, Broxtowe Borough Council in partnership with Beeston Bid is holding a range of Chinese performances including dancing, self-defence demonstrations and procession. The events will run between 10am – 12.30pm at Broadgate Park, High Road in Beeston.
A full programme of Chinese New Year events is available in English and Chinese here.
Shona Powell, Director of Lakeside at The University of Nottingham, said: “Our Chinese New Year and Spring festival celebrations have become a much anticipated event in the Lakeside calendar and I am delighted to be presenting a packed programme of events to celebrate.
“The fireworks are quite amazing and I’m looking forward to seeing what Crescendo come up with this year to WOW the crowds. Wrap up warm and come down to Highfields Park at Lakeside for dragon dancing, lion dancing, music and fireworks!”
Stunning exhibition
An exhibition at the Wallner Gallery in the DH Lawrence Pavilion at Lakeside looks at the work of Yanshi Lei, who took charge of most of the Qing Emperors’ construction projects during the last empire of China. Yanshi Lei’s projects form one of the keystones of world culture heritage and in this small section taken from historic manuscripts, we focus on the beauty of the forbidden city. The exhibition is on display from 11 January until 2 March and is free to attend.
There will also be the opportunity to see a striking performance from multi award-winning guitarist Xufel Yang, who will be performing at Djanogly Recital Hall on Thursday 30 January at 7.30pm.
More information on all events is available from Lakeside at: www.lakesidearts.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on +44 (0)115 846 7777.
Lakeside: Cultural Impact is a key project within the University’s new appeal, Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, which is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. Find out more about Lakeside and how you can support us at http://tiny.cc/UoNImpact