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Eldon Square welcomes Chinese New Year

Visitors to Eldon Square shopping centre this weekend will be treated to a taste of Chinese Culture in preparation for the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Newcastle. Chinese artists will be teaching oriental art to shoppers, while students from The Chinese Students and Scholars’ Association will be demonstrating traditional Chinese games.

Paper dragons and Chinese lanterns will be the order of the day on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February at the Chinese New Year promotional stand in Chevy Chase, beside Boots & John Lewis. Dragon, Lion and Unicorn dances and traditional Chinese firecrackers will launch the festivities at midday at the Ceremonial Arch in Chinatown on Sunday 18th February.

The Chinese lunar calendar follows twelve years, each named after an animal, and 2007 is The Year of the Pig. The pig is a sign of wealth and prosperity; people born in this year are said to be chivalrous, loyal and gallant. Famous pigs include The Duchess of Cornwall, Elton John, Steven Spielberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Sugar, Ewan McGregor and Mariah Carey.

Joan Taylor, Eldon Square Marketing Manager said: “Chinese New Year is the most important festival for Chinese people all over the world. It’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and hopes for the future. “Eldon Square is delighted once again to be able to support this marvellous cultural event which highlights the significance of Chinese culture in our region, and we are pleased to be able to bring some of the traditions inside Eldon Square in order to promote the event to a wider audience.”

For more information about Chinese New Year, visit: www.cnynewcastle.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .