Welcoming the Year of the Dragon

Communities and venues across County Durham are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a host of traditional events and activities.

In Durham City we will be bringing in the Year of the Dragon on Saturday, 10 February with free activities, performances, and entertainment from a variety of different groups.

Millennium Place

The lion dance procession will wind its way from Millennium Place through the city centre at 12.30pm, entertaining visitors with a colourful display and a special appearance by the junior dragon dance team from West Rainton Primary School.

Dunelm House

This year, Durham University's Dunelm House will host two shows where visitors can enjoy traditional music, songs, costumes, and dance performed by the Chinese Scholars and Students Association, the Han Fu Society and Durham Chinese School.

Primary schools across the county will also be demonstrating their knowledge of Lunar New Year traditions in a special performance.

International student volunteers from Durham University have been mentoring pupils from St Margaret's Primary School, Shincliffe Primary School, Wingate Primary School, St Andrew's Primary School, and St Joseph's Primary School Newton Aycliffe, ahead of them taking part in the showcase.

Clayport Library and Prince Bishops Place

Clayport Library will also be sharing in the New Year celebrations, offering people the opportunity to learn Chinese with students from the university. Drop in to one of these sessions to pick up some useful words and phrases.

Whilst there join Lip Lee for a lesson in papercraft to learn the intricate art of origami and mask making or pop down to Prince Bishops Place to visit artist Pui Lee. During this exciting workshop she will be demonstrating the traditional art of woodblock printing.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get up close and handle some of the ancient items from the Oriental Museum's collections, as well as taking part in a crowd crafting event to create dragon decorations for the museum.

Lantern festival 

To round off the celebrations, a lantern festival will take place on Saturday, 24 February where visitors can try fantastic crafts, sample delicious food, listen to stories, music and more. Booking will be required, and tickets will be available via Eventbrite nearer the time.

Fun-filled day

Professor Claire O'Malley, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global) at Durham University said: "We're looking forward to being part of the Year of the Dragon celebrations. We have staff and students from over 120 countries at the University, and this is one of many opportunities throughout the year that this diversity offers for our staff and students and local residents to experience and celebrate different cultures and perspectives."

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Come join us in Durham City for a fabulous, fun-filled day celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the Dragon.

"There will be plenty of free activities to try and much to enjoy as we celebrate the different cultures and traditions, we have here in County Durham."