Chinese New Year 2013 in London
Sunday 10th February marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year 2013 festivities heralding the start of the Year of the Snake. Various events will be hosted around London on the day and during the following weeks for those who would like to participate in the celebrations. Here are just a few highlights.
Chinatown & Trafalgar Square Celebrations
Chinatown will come to life on the 10th, as the Snake leads a parade through the streets towards Trafalgar Square. Once the procession reaches its destination, the official opening ceremony takes place on-stage at Trafalgar Square. The Year of the Snake is all about action, change, innovation and achievement and numerous Chinese and UK dignitaries and performers are lined up ready to ring it in.
A traditional eye-dotting ceremony will kick things off in Trafalgar Square at noon, followed by a firecracker display and performances from Noah and the Whale, Emmy the Great, Paul Potts and a variety of traditional Chinese dance, music and acrobatic acts. A second stage will also be set up on Shaftesbury Avenue.
While all of this is going on, Chinatown itself will be packed with traditional craft and food stalls. Special events include a weekend of Oriental artistry and trickery from Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour and culinary tours led by experts from School of Wok.
The day will end with a spectacular fireworks display on Trafalgar Square at 5.55pm.
Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum Chinese New Year Celebrations
On Saturday 23rd February, the Cutty Sark will welcome visitors to join in with their Chinese New Year celebrations. From 11am until 4pm, Chinese heritage can be discovered in a series of workshops, music and performances. This event is suitable for all ages, with a special family trail and tea-tasting workshops amongst the attractions. Entry to the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark is free of charge. Access to the celebrations is included in the entrance fee of £12 for adults and £6.50 for children.
The Boy Who Sat on the Dragon Throne
The Victoria & Albert Museum will also host their own Chinese New Year event on the weekends of 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th of February. This family-friendly play will be performed in Room 44 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm each day. Admission is free of charge and no booking is required.
BFI Southbank Chinese New Year Screenings
Three films relevant to the celebration of the British-Chinese community will be screened at BFI over the weekend 9th-11th February. She, A Chinese tells the story of a young woman who moves from small Chinese village to London; The Opium War depicts the tale of the first opium war and Ping Pong tells of the culture clash experienced by a British-Chinese policeman who returns to Hong Kong.
cushion the impact provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners. We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today. Your personal service awaits!
