Lancaster University Confucius Institute (LUCI) is thrilled to have contributed to the Lancaster Music Festival 2024 which took place from 10 to 13 October 2024. LUCI sponsored a programme of Chinese music performances, from both renowned and local musicians, along with BBC Musical Storyland Live from Lancaster Library, Chinese drum workshops, Chinese music masterclasses and craft activities for local people to participate in. By taking part in these activities, the participants experienced the charm of Chinese music and increased interests in Chinese culture.

On 12 October 2024, one of Lancaster University Confucius Institute’s Chinese teachers, Joly Juan Xiao, hosted a family crafts activity in The Storey, with the help of Chinese students from Lancaster University. The activity attracted many residents and students, who actively engaged in making traditional Chinese crafts. The crafts created by participants were beautiful and vibrant, particularly the masks featuring various patterns, including the Chinese zodiac.

One of the Confucius Institute student volunteers described the event as ‘Today's session was a lot of fun, quite a unique experience for me to work with local children, and my classmates also enjoyed a very nice moment together doing handcrafts and origami. I'm really glad to be part of this wonderful event!’

These events not only deepened the local community’s understanding of Chinese culture but also provided an enjoyable interactive platform for everyone involved.