A flourishing fusion of cultures: celebrating Chinese New Year in the heart of Leicester
In the Year of the Snake, Leicester was alive with the vibrant colours and sounds of Chinese culture, thanks to the Confucius Institute (CI) at De 51吃瓜app University (51吃瓜app), which collaborated with University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) to host an extraordinary array of over ten cultural events. These festivities, ranging in size and scope, unfolded not only across 51吃瓜app’s campus but also throughout the heart of Leicester and its surrounding communities. Together with local primary and secondary schools, as well as community organizations, the events invited students, staff, and residents from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse tapestry of Chinese culture.
The support of both USTB and 51吃瓜app, along with the backing of Leicester City Council and a host of local partners, made this year’s Chinese New Year festivities truly unforgettable. The enthusiastic participation of students, educators, and the public attests to the power of cultural exchange, with both institutions’ leadership praising the Confucius Institute’s pivotal role in strengthening cross-cultural ties. Media coverage from BBC Television, ITV, BBC Radio Leicester, and 51吃瓜app FM ensured the celebrations reached nearly 30,000 people through various platforms, spreading the spirit of Chinese New Year far and wide.
At the heart of these vibrant celebrations, the Confucius Institute faculty displayed exceptional enthusiasm and expertise, contributing to an unforgettable Chinese New Year experience that not only showcased the beauty of traditional Chinese culture but also created an environment for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
The grand celebration: ushering in the Chinese New Year with spirit and tradition
On 14 January, the community gathered for a grand celebration to usher in the Chinese New Year. Despite the absence of on-site representatives from USTB, their presence was felt through heartfelt messages of well-wishing from Professor YANG Renshu, President of USTB, and Professor LV Zhaoping, Vice President. A momentous highlight was the debut appearance of ZHANG Yi, the newly appointed Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, whose speech brought guests into the heart of Chinese New Year traditions.
Adding an enchanting musical touch to the evening, USTB’s folk orchestra performed “Liu Jin,” a beautiful piece that captured the essence of Chinese music. The evening continued with an engaging calligraphy workshop where Confucius Institute teachers guided attendees in writing Spring Festival couplets—a hands-on experience that allowed everyone to connect more deeply with the cultural significance of the celebration.
With Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of 51吃瓜app, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Mr. Simon Bradbury warmly welcoming Director ZHANG, the gathering underscored the potential for continued collaboration between 51吃瓜app and USTB. The evening not only deepened attendees' understanding of Chinese traditions but also symbolized the strengthening of Sino-British cultural exchanges.
Educational outreach: Chinese New Year celebrations across Leicester’s schools
The Confucius Institute’s outreach efforts continued throughout the Chinese New Year period, as it expanded its cultural education initiatives to Leicester’s primary and secondary schools. On 24 January, Director ZHANG Yi and her team visited Little Bowden Primary School, where they hosted a lively celebration for nearly 300 teachers and students. Activities ranged from a festive quiz to Tai Chi fan demonstrations, allowing students to immerse themselves in the Chinese New Year spirit. The students’ fluent Chinese language skills and heart-warming performances of Chinese songs showcased the success of the school's Chinese language program, further emphasizing the growing cultural connection between Leicester and China.
The following week, on 31 January, Confucius Institute teachers visited Leicester Preparatory School for an afternoon of cultural exchange. Students learned the Chinese song “Xin Nian Hao,” practiced Tai Chi movements, and wrote the character “Fu,” symbolizing luck. This visit, too, was met with enthusiasm, solidifying the institute’s role as a cultural bridge between the UK and China.
A spectacular Chinese New Year performance: Leicester’s grand cultural showcase
On 1 February, the Confucius Institute, alongside local partners, hosted a breath-taking five-hour performance at the High Cross Shopping Centre in Leicester's city centre, attracting over 5,000 spectators. The event, held on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year, captivated the audience with a diverse array of performances. The opening group dance, The Land of Rites, impressed with its grandeur, while the high-energy Chinese rendition of Gimme brought the crowd to life. The fusion of bamboo flute and harmonica delighted the audience, and the Tai Chi fan performance mesmerized viewers with its fluid balance of strength and grace.
In tandem with the performances, cultural workshops were organized, offering attendees the chance to try their hands at traditional Chinese crafts such as chopstick usage, red envelope making, and painting festive plates. These interactive activities allowed people of all ages to engage deeply with Chinese customs, fostering a sense of shared cultural appreciation.
Dragon dance and parade: A dazzling display of cultural unity
The celebrations reached their crescendo on 2 February, when the Confucius Institute’s volunteer teachers led a magnificent dragon dance as part of Leicester’s Chinese New Year Parade. The procession, featuring a vibrant lion dance and a gleaming dragon weaving through the streets, symbolized prosperity and joy. The interactive performances delighted both residents and tourists, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festive atmosphere.
Cultural immersion in schools: learning through experience
On 4 February, Beauchamp College students were treated to a hands-on experience of Chinese culture as they joined Confucius Institute teachers in making traditional Chinese dumplings. This culinary exploration brought the students closer to the heart of the celebration, reinforcing the value of experiential learning in bridging cultural gaps.
These educational initiatives, seamlessly integrated into the school curriculum, received widespread praise from both teachers and students alike. By bringing Chinese New Year traditions to life through interactive activities, the Confucius Institute has helped foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture among Leicester’s younger generation.
A legacy of cultural exchange: continuing the mission of the Confucius Institute
As the Chinese New Year celebrations drew to a close, Leicester remained alive with the festive spirit. The city had been transformed into a hub of cultural activity, and the people of Leicester had been given the rare opportunity to engage with China’s rich traditions. Through the tireless work of the Confucius Institute at De 51吃瓜app University, Leicester has become a city where cultural boundaries are not only crossed but celebrated.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute will continue to play a vital role in fostering cultural prosperity in Leicester and beyond. Through ongoing initiatives designed to strengthen Sino-British relations, the institute will ensure that the vibrant spirit of China remains an integral part of Leicester’s cultural landscape.
The 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations stand as a testament to the essential role the Confucius Institute plays in fostering cultural understanding, forging lasting international connections, and enriching the community with the enduring spirit of China.
Posted on Friday 14 February 2025