February 10 marks the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon, and Chester is honouring the occasion with an epic itinerary of events.
Visitors to the city and those who call Chester home can witness an extensive variety of traditional entertainment from experts and artists, including non-combustible firecrackers, dragon and lion dancing, traditional musical performances and even special cultural characters like The Happy Buddha, The Emperor of Heaven, and The God of Prosperity.
The Chinese Lunar New Year is a key celebration on the Chinese zodiac calendar, which has a 12-year cycle. Legend says that The Emperor of Heaven called all animals to see him on New Year’s Day and then named each year after the twelve animals answered his request.
Taking place in Chester city centre, the spectacular event is organised by the Wah Lei Chinese Association with support from Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Bank of America, as well as local businesses and arts hubs like Chester’s Storyhouse.
The event starts on Northgate Street at 11am outside Chester Town Hall. Maria Yuen of Handbridge’s Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan Group will launch the celebrations. The Lions will be woken by Representatives from the council and the Bank of America, before Steve Ornelas and the Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy lead them and the Dragon in a dance. Another performance will take place at noon inside Storyhouse on Hunter Street.
Tutors from the Wah Lei Saturday Mandarin school of University of Chester will present cultural workshops between 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the arts hub, and a special lunchtime banquet will be held Newgate Street from 1.15pm.
