On Sunday 5^th March 2023, Lancaster University Confucius Institute took part in the Festival of Culture held at Lancaster University. This event was a free family event for the local community, with around 300 people attending throughout the day.

In the Lancaster Institute for Contemporary Arts (LICA) building were stalls from different local cultural associations, and a stage for a variety of performances throughout the day, including music, dance, prayer and celebration. There was also food available for people to try different cuisines.

The Twelve Strings, a traditional Chinese musical group from Lancaster University, performed as part of the Festival of Culture. You can watch their performance via the link below:

仙剑奇侠传【笛子/琵琶/二胡/吉他】Festival of Culture at Lancaster University - YouTube

Many people wore their traditional costumes, and it was great to see so many different communities coming together.

At Lancaster University Confucius Institute, there was an opportunity for people to try Chinese arts and crafts such as calligraphy, paper cutting and lantern making; learn a Chinese song for children and a Taichi workshop in the upstairs exhibition space.

The Mayor of Lancaster, Joyce Pritchard, also attended the event with her family. They enjoyed participating together in the Chinese calligraphy and Taichi activities at the Confucius Institute.

“On behalf of the committee, we would like to thank the Confucius Institute for your wonderful support, collaboration, help, and real partnership, as well as your fantastic financial support providing Chinese food for so many people! You came in at a late stage and your involvement really helped to lift the event to a new level - with an additional building, a whole new world menu, and such beautiful entertainment and stalls.” – Fiona Frank, Communities Together Chair, Festival of Culture committee.

We would like to thank the Communities Together and the Festival of Culture committee for having us at this wonderful event.