Lancaster was illuminated with a riot of colours and filled with enchanting performances and cultural celebrations as they welcomed the Chinese New Year through a series of vibrant events sponsored by the Lancaster University Confucius Institute (LUCI). From a fantastic variety show at Lancaster Grand Theatre to exciting celebrations in the city centre of Lancaster and at the Roundhouse, the communities united to usher in the Year of Snake with passion and joy.

Chinese Variety Show at Lancaster Grand Theatre

On 19 January 2025, Lancaster Grand Theatre hosted a Chinese New Year variety show that took attendees on a sensory exploration of the rich and diverse Chinese culture. The programme included a wide range of performances, such as graceful Chinese dances that captivated the audience with their beauty. Traditional Chinese instrumental music filled the venue with soothing tunes, while the dramatic and expressive Kunshan Opera brought ancient stories to life on stage, transporting the audience back in time.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Lancaster City Centre

On 26 January 2025, Lancaster city centre, adorned with hundreds of Chinese lanterns, buzzed with energy as the Chinese New Year celebration kicked off. Chinese calligraphy and crafts were available, and various performances were staged as the city was packed with festival-goers celebrating the upcoming Year of the Dragon. Children from the Lancaster Chinese weekend classes entertained the crowd with their renditions of Chinese songs and dances, led by Elma Shuai Yuan. Meanwhile, students from Anchorsholme Academy in Blackpool, one of our Confucius Classrooms, amazed spectators with a Chinese Kung Fu Fan dancing and Chinese song singing, led by Luana Yingzhen Lu and Lilla Jiali Huang. The highlight of the event was the iconic dragon and lion parade, with the rhythmic drumbeats echoing through the streets as performers in colourful costumes brought these mythical creatures to life.

Chinese New Year Celebration in the Roundhouse, Lancaster University

On 3 February 2025, a Chinese New Year celebration was also held in the Roundhouse as we marked the Year of Snake, commencing with the opening remarks from Professor Rebecca Lingwood, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, and Professor Jinghan Zeng, LUCI Director. The event started with students in our Chinese Friendship Programme sharing their interesting stories of friendship and cultural exchange. Later, Professor Chao Yang, the Chinese Director of Lancaster University Confucius Institute (LUCI), along with Lancaster University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rebecca Lingwood, recognized the achievements of two outstanding students, Mojolaoluwa Olusola-Niyi and Daisy Lord, for their remarkable performance in the 2024 Chinese Bridge Competition. The Chinese Bridge: Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, is a global event designed to encourage students worldwide to deepen their understanding of Chinese language and culture. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their proficiency in Chinese while fostering intercultural exchange.

A big thank you to our LUCI staff members for your concerted efforts and dedication to these wonderful events!