A vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year will take place in Leicester city centre this weekend as we welcome in the ‘year of the dragon’.
Funded by Arts Council England and Leicester City Council, the celebrations taking place are described as a ‘staple part of Leicester’s cultural calendar.’
An array of colourful and traditional performances will take place throughout the weekend, culminating in a spectacular firework finale.
On Saturday (February 10) festivities will take place throughout the day at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, including traditional dances, workshops and music performed on traditional Chinese instruments.
At 3pm on Sunday (February 11) the celebrations continue with a Lion Dance, which will be performance outside the Food Village at DMU, followed by a lantern-lit procession from Jubilee Square, which will include puppetry, lion dancers and dragons. The procession will weave its way through the city centre, finishing in Town Hall Square at 4.30pm.
There will then be a performance at Town Hall Square featuring fireworks, pyrotechnics, a lion dance and traditional Chinese music.
The festivities are being led by Cosmopolitan Arts, who describe them as “a joyful celebration of unity, cultural exchange and festive cheer.”
“Whether you have been part of out Lunar New Year journey or are joining the festivities for the first time, you are welcomed with open arms,” they added.
“Join us as we usher in the new year with joy, tradition and the vibrant energy of Lunar New Year!”
For more information, visit: cosmopolitan arts.co.uk
