A tribute to one of today’s most beloved children’s characters will join the line-up for this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations in Sunderland.
The annual event returns on Sunday 1 March, with festivities running from 11am to 3pm, offering visitors the chance to enjoy Asian food, arts and crafts, and live performances throughout the city.
And that includes an appearance by The Hunters – a tribute to the KPop Demon Hunters which became the most watched film in Netflix’s history.
Other live performances on the day including a traditional Chinese fashion show, classical and modern Asian dance and music played on a Guzheng – a Chinese-plucked zither.
The Year of the Horse will also be marked by a whole range of free arts and crafts sessions including origami, calligraphy and the opportunity to make dragon puppets and masks, with costumed characters and stilt walkers adding to the occasion.
Visitors will also be able to create their own Hóngbāo, a traditional Chinese red envelope which contains coins – in this case chocolate coins – which are meant to bring good luck, prosperity and protection.
City Oriental Foods which will be selling Chinese toys and snacks and there will a range of other food traders, including NJ Catering who will be offering noodles and curry, Japanese street food courtesy of Arigato and Yum Yaba which will be selling bubble waffles.
Roberta Redecke, Head of Business Services at Sunderland’s BIDs – which includes City Centre BID and Seafront BID – said the celebration was now a firm fixture on the city’s calendar.
“Sunderland’s Lunar New Year celebrations have become something that so many people look forward, evident by the fantastic turnout we have every year,” Roberta said.
“It is a great opportunity for everyone to come and have a really special day out but at the same time to really learn about other cultures.
“We have brought back the most popular elements from previous events but have also added in some new experiences which are sure everyone will enjoy.”
Ian Wong, who owns Asiana restaurant in the city is once again acting as a consultant for the event, assisting in procuring some of the authentic entertainment and ensuring the community involvement.
“I am delighted to be involved with the Lunar New Year celebrations once again and to see the event return for the seventh year,” said Ian, who also liaises with Sunderland University’s Chinese Society.
“It is such an important event and plays a real role in helping people embrace other cultures.”
Activities in the Sunniside area are part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
To find out more about Lunar New Year please visit sunderlandbid.co.uk/events/lunar-new-year/
