Lions, Tigers and Dragons coming to Solihull for Chinese New Year
From Press Office on 02 February 2010
Solihull town centre will be in high spirits on Friday 12 February and Saturday 13 February with this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations. Solihull Council, Mell Square, BRMB and Michael Chan from the Chinese community have teamed up to ensure Solihull celebrates the Year of the Tiger in style.
The festivities begin on Friday at 11am in Library Square with the traditional dragon and lion dance, followed by the unveiling of two 4metre tiger canvases by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davies.
Then on Saturday, 11am-3.30pm, lanterns, fortune cookies and chopsticks are coming to Solihull’s Mell Square.
From the opening of the dragon’s eye by the Mayor, the day will be full of traditional entertainment. Acrobatic and Kung Fu displays promise to leave audiences speechless, while the Tai Chi demonstration and traditional flower umbrella dance will bring some calm to all the excitement. There will also be Chinese music, food and stalls selling traditional New Year gifts and a collection for UK Overseas Meizhou Association, a charity providing education to children in poverty.
Michael Chan, Chairman Chinese New Year Solihull said: “This is the second year that we have celebrated Chinese New Year here in Solihull. Last year’s event was met with great enthusiasm and this year’s promises to be even bigger, better and more colourful. This will be a great day out for all the family with plenty of amazing sights and activities.”
Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davies said: “Chinese New Year is about celebrating traditions and stories with family and friends. This is a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together to enjoy and learn about this fascinating festival.”
An exhibition is also running at Solihull Arts Complex, G2, 8-22 February, in celebration of Chinese New Year. Innovation in Abstraction by Professor Hai Shuet Yeung MBE combines British and Chinese cultures in this collection of unique paintings.
For more information please contact Olivia White 0121 704 8373
Email: owhite@solihull.gov.uk