10 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Nottingham

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Nottingham has a special relationship with Chinese New Year due to the University of Nottingham's campus in Ningbo, China (which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year) and the city's large body of international students. Every year the festivities in Nottingham have grown more elaborate and this year is no exception. To properly welcome the Year of the Ram, the city will be hosting a range of exhibitions, special workshops, music and dance performances, storytelling, fireworks, and other cultural events. The following is a selection of 10 activities which are suitable for a broad range of people, including families with children.



1. Let the Chinese Dream Fly

This exhibition at the Nottingham Lakeside Arts Wallner Gallery features a selection of Chinese state posters from the current administration of Xi Jinping. As stated by the gallery, the title of the exhibition "refers to a spirit of national rejuvenation with patriotism and innovation at its core." The selected posters include a range of styles from contemporary to traditional, such as brush painting and woodblock prints.

Date: 8 January - 22 February 2015
Location: Wallner Gallery, Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: Free

2. Yeh-Shen, The Chinese Cinderella

This Chinese tale is actually much older than its European counterpart Cinderella, though the stories are very similar. The Chinese Cinderella tells the story of the poor mistreated orphan Yeh-Shen, who, with the assistance of a magical fish spirit guide, attends the New Year celebrations wearing a stunning gown and golden slippers (one of which is lost and later found by the king). The story is performed by the Yellow Earth Theatre using puppetry, dance, live music, and features of the Beijing Opera. This is a great show for children to be exposed to elements of traditional Chinese theatre.

Date: 1 February 2015
Location: Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 1pm and 3.30pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: £7
Booking is essential. The show is suitable for children 6 and above (running time of 60 minutes).

3. Chinese Ribbon and Fan Dances



This interactive workshop will teach children the traditional practice of fan and ribbon dancing. The workshop is delivered by the professional Chinese dancer, Dan Du.

Date: 17 February 2015
Location: Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 10 - 11.30am (6-8 years); 12.30 - 2pm (9-12 years)
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: £5
Booking is essential.

4. Traditional Chinese Brush Painting

This special workshop will teach participants about the history and methods of the ancient art of Chinese Brush Painting. Brushes, paint, and expert guidance by an experienced artist are provided.

Date: 18 February 2015
Location: Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 10 - 11.30am; 12.30 - 2pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: £5
Booking is essential. Suitable for children 6 and above.

5. Chinese New Year Gala 2015

This popular event features a range of traditional and contemporary music, song, and dance performances by students of the Nottingham Confucius Institute and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association. A video highlighting some of the performances of the 2014 Gala is available below.



Date: 20 February 2015
Location: Albert Hall, Nottingham, NG1 5AA
Time: 7pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: £5 (offer good until 8 Feb), £8, £10 (VIP)

6. Stories from China

Professional storyteller Nick Rafferty will deliver a dramatic hour of traditional Chinese folk tales.

Date: 21 February 2015
Location: Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 1pm and 3.30pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: £3
Booking is essential. Suitable for all ages.

7. Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts

This workshop is hosted by staff and students from the Nottingham Confucius Institute. Crafts include painting traditional-style fans, creating paper lanterns, and drawing messages in Chinese calligraphy.

Date: 21 February 2015
Location: Nottingham Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 1 - 4pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: Free
Drop-in sessions - no booking necessary. Suitable for children 5 and above (accompanied by family member).

8. South East Asian Cultural Event



This is a free event taking place at Beeston Methodist Church. There will be workshops featuring traditional South East Asian cultural themes, arts and crafts, and special performances of the Lion and Dragon Dances.

Date: 21 February 2015
Location: Beeston Methodist Church, Chilwell Rd, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1EH
Time: 1.30 - 5pm
Phone: 0115 917 3695
Website
Cost: Free
Suitable for all ages. No need to book.

9. Beeston Square Fireworks

A fireworks display will follow performances of traditional dance and music by the Nottingham & Derby 7 Star Praying Mantis Group and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Date: 21 February 2015
Location: Beeston Square, Beeston, NG9 2JG
Time: 5 - 6.30pm
Phone: 0115 917 3695
Website
Cost: Free
Suitable for all ages. No need to book.

10. Chinese New Year at Nottingham Lakeside Arts



In honour of the 10th anniversary of the University of Nottingham's Ningbo, China campus, there will be a fun-filled celebration in Highfields Park. Activities include traditional Chinese storytelling, live music performances, Lion and Dragon Dances, and other cultural offerings, all culminating in an elaborate fireworks finale.

Date: 22 February 2015
Location: Highfields Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Time: 4.30 - 6.30pm
Phone: 0115 846 7777
Website
Cost: Free
Suitable for all ages. No booking necessary.

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