Emerging from the Shadow of the Pandemic: DCS Supports 2022 Durham Lunar New Year Celebrations

On February 5, 2022, the heart of Durham city burst into vibrant life as the annual Durham Lunar New Year Celebrations officially returned. After the previous year’s festivities were regretfully cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this long-awaited gathering marked a poignant moment of recovery and renewal for the entire regional community.

Durham Chinese School (DCS) played an integral role in supporting the city-wide event. Delivering cultural showcases at Clayport Library and the Town Hall, DCS staff and volunteers brought warmth and connection back to local families and residents after months of pandemic isolation.

Highlighting the event’s local impact, DCS Headteacher Mr Haoyang Liu was interviewed on-site by BBC Look North. Speaking amidst the festive lion dances in Market Square, Mr Liu shared a deeply personal and heartfelt message with the regional audience:

“I have lived in Durham for more than 20 years. I think Durham is more like my second hometown. People are very friendly, and we have multiple cultures; we celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year here together.”

Coming at a crucial time as society emerged from the shadows of the pandemic, Mr Liu’s words resonated strongly with local residents. His genuine reflection highlighted not only DCS’s deep 20-year roots in County Durham, but also its unwavering commitment to community cohesion, hope, and mutual respect during challenging times.

阴霾散尽 温暖重聚：杜伦中文学校倾力支持2022杜伦农历新年庆典

022年2月5日，英国杜伦市中心迎来了久违的欢歌笑语——杜伦农历新年全市大庆祝活动在千呼万唤中热烈回归。此前一年的庆祝活动曾因全球新冠疫情（COVID-19）的肆虐而遗憾取消。面对疫情带来的阴霾与隔阂，今年的重聚不仅是一场文化的盛宴，更象征着这座古老小城在逆境中重新焕发的韧性与生机。

杜伦中文学校作为本地华人社区与文化教育的核心桥梁，积极参与并深度支持了本次全市庆典。通过Town Hall 内精彩纷呈的传统文化展示，我校义工团队为杜伦市民及家庭带来了久违的互动与欢笑。

刘浩洋校长在庆典现场接受了英国广播公司（BBC Look North）电视新闻的专题采访。 站在热闹欢腾的杜伦广场，面对镜头，刘校长道出了深耕本地二十余载的真挚情怀：”我在杜伦已经生活了二十多年，杜伦就像是我的第二故乡。这里的居民非常友善，我们拥有多元的文化。今天，我们在这个特别的时刻聚集在这里，共同庆祝农历新年。”

朴实无华的原话，饱含着对这片土地的深情与对社区未来的真挚祝福。在疫情阴霾渐渐退去、人们迫切需要温暖与连接的时刻，这份来自杜伦中文学校的真情祝愿与包容胸怀，深深打动了现场的杜伦市民与电视机前的广大观众。

作为杜伦社区的重要一员，杜伦中文学校将继续携手本地政府、大学及各界团体，用教育与文化传递温暖，为促进多元文化融合与社区和谐发展贡献坚实力量。