Chinese New Year celebrations came to the centre of Durham on Saturday, 9th February. An annual event celebrating Chinese culture and arts in various forms, from traditional music & storytelling to even a giant dancing lion to welcome the Chinese the year of the Pig. The event which was made possible by Durham County Council with support from Durham University & CSSA, Durham Chinese School, Durham BID, Durham Markets was a massive success as hundreds of people turned out for a fantastic day of culture & entertainment despite the cold & damp February weather.
The main functions & activities were held in Durham’s town hall within the magnificent main hall itself. The room which dates back over 650 years was packed with people and stalls including the Durham Chinese school which offered visitors the chance to try and buy various Chinese foods & also view the work done by the schools’ pupils. A stage was set under the ancient stain glass windows at the foot of the hall where the audience were treated to a host of stunning vocal performances & dances of both traditional & modern genre. Other highlights of the stage events were the Tai-Chi Performances & also the fantastic Cheongsam fashion show showcased styles and traditional Chinese dress under the sptlights, that wowed all in attendance. Events took place throughout the day which also included a Chinese tea ceremony, calligraphy & Chinese horoscopes.
At mid-day people travelled to millennium square in front of the Gala theatre to enjoy the sight of traditional Chinese lion dancing. Mayor John Lethbridge was also joined by the Chinese Vice-Consul General, Mr Fan Yingjie, and Consul Mr Xuefeng Chen during the vibrant performance. A large crowd of onlookers saw the Mayor gather lettuce leaves thrown by the lion, traditionally symbolising good luck and prosperity for the coming new year. Later the mayor also took to the stage in the main hall with the Vice Consul General to speak of how the new year celebrations and Chinese culture had benefited the city of Durham as a growing & thriving multicultural city.
Other guests who attended the celebration event were Professor Stuart Corbridge, the Vice Chancellor of Durham University, Mr Brian Stobie, International Officer of Durham County Council, Mr Haoyang Liu, the headteacher of Durham Chinese School and others from the council and the university. Local businesses involved in supporting and sponsoring with the event was JP Linc accountants Ltd, Westmill food, Durham Foodisan Chinese Takeaway and other parents volunteers, who helped raising total £458.83 for the Durham Chinese School,i ncluding £194.85 from the sales in the town hall and £263.98 from the trade with the local Chinese convenience shop with the donation products from Westmill.
2月9日星期六，中国新年庆祝活动在杜伦市中心举行。这项年度活动以各种形式庆祝中华文化和艺术，从传统音乐、讲故事，甚至还有一只巨大的舞狮，共同迎接中国的猪年。尽管二月天气寒冷潮湿，但该活动仍取得了巨大成功，数百人前来参加，享受了一场精彩的文化和娱乐盛宴。本次活动由杜伦郡议会促成，并得到了杜伦大学、杜伦大学中国学生学者联谊会（CSSA）、杜伦中文学校、杜伦商业促进区（Durham BID）和杜伦市场的大力支持。
主要的庆典和活动在杜伦市政厅宏伟的主大厅内举行。这座拥有超过650年历史的大厅挤满了人群和摊位，其中包括杜伦中文学校的摊位，为参观者提供了品尝和购买各种中国美食以及观赏学生作品的机会。在大厅尽头古老的彩色玻璃窗下搭建了一个舞台，观众们欣赏了传统与现代风格的精彩声乐表演和舞蹈。舞台活动的亮点还包括太极表演和精彩的旗袍时装秀，在灯光下展示了中国传统服饰的魅力，令所有在场观众惊叹不已。全天活动还包括中国茶道表演、书法展示和中国生肖文化讲解。
中午时分，人们来到加拉剧院前的千禧广场，欣赏传统的中国舞狮表演。市长约翰·莱斯布里奇（John Lethbridge）与中国驻曼彻斯特副总领事范映杰先生和领事陈雪峰先生一同观看了这场充满活力的表演。大批围观者看到市长接过舞狮抛出的生菜叶，这传统上象征着来年的好运和繁荣。随后，市长还与副总领事一同登上主大厅的舞台，谈论了新年庆祝活动和中华文化如何促进杜伦市发展成为一个不断成长和繁荣的多元文化城市。
其他出席庆祝活动的嘉宾包括杜伦大学副校长斯图尔特·科布里奇教授（Professor Stuart Corbridge）、杜伦郡议会国际事务官布赖恩·斯托比先生（Mr Brian Stobie）、杜伦中文学校校长刘浩洋先生，以及来自郡议会和杜伦大学的其他代表。支持和赞助此次活动的本地企业有JP Linc会计师事务所、Westmill food、Durham Foodisan中餐外卖店，以及其他家长志愿者。他们总共为杜伦中文学校筹集了458.83英镑，其中194.85英镑来自市政厅的销售额，263.98英镑来自与当地华人便利店的合作贸易以及Westmill捐赠的产品。
