Leicester to stage dazzling Chinese New Year celebrations

Leicester’s Chinese community are set to celebrate the Year of the Rooster this weekend, with a variety of events taking place in the city centre.

The free event, which will be based mainly within Highcross Shopping Centre, promises an impressive line-up of traditional Chinese live music, dance and art.

The event has been set up to encourage families to learn more about the Far Eastern community and their culture. It will be the launch event for an exciting year-long project focusing on Chinese heritage in Leicester.

There will also be a Chinese lantern display at the Clock Tower with traditional dance performances throughout the day.

Starting at 10am on Sunday January 29, the line-up for the day will begin with a Lion Dance, Taiji Boxing and live performances from Rainbow Language Club’s Chinese Choir.

More performances throughout the day will be by ITSWA who specialise in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Preying Mantis Kung Fu, Qigong and Lion Dance Arts.

There is also set to be performances from Chinese students studying at De Montfort University, local school children that have worked with the Confucius Institute and also professional artists who will perform traditional songs including Beijing Opera. Traditional Chinese instrument band Euphoria will also take to the stage, showcasing a variety of Chinese music styles.

The Confucius Institute will also be delivering a series of free traditional Chinese craft workshops including calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese games, costumes and food. They will be joined by the local Chinese community to demonstrate arts and crafts originating from a range of Far Eastern locations.

The event is set to finish at 5pm, with the day ending with performances from Pumped Up Kicks and the Soulmate Band and a Lion Dance and procession to the clock tower.