[F]amilies will get a taste of Chinese culture during February Half Term as part of a Chinese New Year festival taking place in Carlisle City Centre and Tullie House Museum.
The festival is taking place on Friday 16 February, the actual date for Chinese New Year, from 11am in Carlisle City Centre. Throughout the day there will be dance, performance, crafts and activities including Kung Fu and Chinese drumming workshops, acrobatic performances, calligraphy, wood block painting and the chance to make lanterns. Local shops and businesses are invited to join in with the festival spirit by decorating their windows in a Chinese theme. Any businesses interested should contact anna.smalley@tulliehouse.org
At 3.30pm a parade featuring spectacular lion dance performers, will lead participants back to Tullie House Museum for an evening of Chinese entertainment featuring More Music Orchestra, Northern Dragons and Jin Long Academy.
Anna Smalley, Head of Collections and Engagement at Tullie House Museum has been working on the project: “we are delighted to be working in partnership with Lancaster University’s Confucius Institute and Carlisle City Council to showcase a unique afternoon and evening of performances and activities to celebrate Chinese New Year. This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the culture of China and engage in some fantastic activities. It is also a fantastic way for the local community and businesses to get involved in something different.”
Lancaster University Confucius Institute, who has been working in partnership with Tullie House Museum over the past year, is pleased to support the Chinese New Year Festival and commented “新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè)!”
Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Colin Glover, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Tullie House’s Chinese New Year festival. There is a packed programme of events planned and lots to get involved in. Join in the festivities and learn more about the Chinese culture and traditions. “
To celebrate the Chinese festival, The Garden Restaurant at Tullie House will be serving a hot Chinese buffet from 5.30pm – 6.45pm. Tickets for the buffet start at £10 for Children Under 16. Further information about the buffet can be found at www.tulliehouse.co.uk
There are two performances taking place at Tullie House, a family friendly one at 4.30pm and a full length one with interval at 7.30pm. Tickets to all the performances are free, however spaces are limited therefore booking is essential. Contact 01228 618700 to book your place.
This event has been kindly supported by Carlisle City Council, Lancaster University Confucius Institute and The Lanes Shopping Centre.
To coincide with the Chinese New Year Festival a whole week of China-themed family drop-in sessions will be taking place at Tullie House Museum from 1pm – 4pm, including goldfish kite making, panda crafts and New Year lanterns to join in the parade with. The sessions start on Saturday 10 February, and are free to those families with annual tickets (£6.50 per adult, children free).
Please note, as part of the parade, Castle Street will be closed on Friday 16 February from approximately 3.15pm – 4.00pm.
