Chinese New Year in Chester

Chinese New Year will soon be here and Cheshire West and Chester Council is again helping the Wah Lei Chinese Association with its exciting plans for the colourful celebrations.

2012 sees the Year of the Dragon return for the first time since the new millennium. It is said to be the luckiest and most dynamic sign of the Chinese zodiac.
Saturday, January 28 will see a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance through the centre of Chester, complete with firecrackers, Tai Chi demonstrations and cultural displays at the Slow Boat Chinese Restaurant.

The Chinese “Happy Man” and the “Emperor” will also join the parade to make sure that the Year of the Dragon makes a dramatic entrance across the city.

The Wah Lei Chinese Association is based at Chester’s new Unity Centre, assisted by Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre (CHAWREC). It was founded by local Chinese people to foster, support and improve the well being of the Chinese community and help them integrate with the wider community in the area.

Chinese New Year officially falls on 23 February but the celebrations are being held on a Saturday to maximise the number of visitors.

Chair of the Wah Lei Chinese Association, Mia Tan said: "The Wah Lei is delighted to be holding our third Chinese New Year celebrations in Chester.

“Over the last three years we have been able to offer the community language courses and cultural or leisure activities, such as sport, art or music, as well as these exciting events.

“Everyone is working really hard preparing for the big day in January. Children have made their own wonderful mini-dragons to carry with them in the parade. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved."

The Council’s Equality and Diversity Champion, Councillor Razia Daniels added: "Cheshire West and Chester Council is delighted to sponsor the new Wah Lei Chinese Association and help with their bright and colourful Chinese New Year Celebrations.

“Equality and Diversity is one of our key priorities and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join in the celebrations this year."

The parade begins at Eastgate Street in Chester at 11am and moves to the Town Hall Square for 12 noon. It will arrive at the Slow Boat Restaurant at 12.30pm where cultural performances and craft workshops will take place.

For more information see: www.wahlei.org