Worcester’s Chinese New Year event on 18 February attracted more than 1% of the local population with a record crowd that enjoyed a day of free cultural activities and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon. The event was organised by the Worcestershire Chinese Association and educational charity, Engage with China. The event was hosted at the Museum of Royal Worcester and the Royal Porcelain Works, fittingly on the site of the original world-famous factory of Royal Worcester where porcelain, originally inspired by China, was produced in the city from the 1700s.
The event’s highlights included an energetic performance of a traditional Dragon Dance by local troupe, Kuidetang Martial arts whose founder, James Rodriguez, said,
“It was a privilege to perform in front of our largest crowd ever!”
James Rodriguez, Kuidetang Martial Arts, Worcester
Visitors were also privileged to hear world class musicians as they performed throughout the day, including virtuoso, Guo Yue on the flute and renowned soprano, Wang Chen, (who was honoured as 2023 Chinese Woman of the Year by UK Chinese Women Connect). Other young, local residents, including 5-year-old Chinese language learners and 19-year old Alice Brunker, also sang songs in mandarin.
H-J Colston-Inge from Engage with China, an educational charity which builds China understanding in UK schools and who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event, said that,
Total visitor numbers were counted as 1,438 on the day. That represents more than 1% of Worcester’s population – an incredible turn-out. Some people came from further afield including Kent, Farnborough and Birmingham. This is indicative of the fact that people are fascinated by China and drawn to experience something of its cultural offering.
H-J Colston-Inge, Director – Engage with China
Frankie Tsang, Chairman of the Worcestershire Chinese Association (WCA), added,
“This is the 25th year that WCA has organised the celebrations. We are grateful to the support of multiple partners, including Engage with China, the Bransford Trust, Christopher Whitehead Language College and the University of Worcester for making this a true community event enabling a record crowd to engage with China through a variety of activities ranging from calligraphy to tea tasting, martial arts, pottery and blow-painting.”
Frankie Tsang, Chairman, Worcestershire Chinese Association
In attendance was VIP, the Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire, Mrs Beatrice Grant, who, having greeted the crowd by saying “hello” in mandarin, said that,
I really do believe that culture matters. It is part of this country’s DNA. Embracing cultural diversity is crucial for fostering a more interconnected and inclusive world
Mrs Beatrice Grant, Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire
One local resident and local Councillor, Hannah Cooper, voiced her delight about the Chinese New Year activities.
We came last year for the first time and my family have really enjoyed today – even more than last year; there was so much to do. Well done for creating such a successful family event – really wonderful!
Hannah Cooper, Mum, local resident and local councillor
H-J Colston-Inge was able to use the occasion to publicise a fully-funded A-level boarding school scholarship programme in China which the charity runs in partnership with Wycombe Abbey Schools. “What better way to understand China and its culture than to go and study there?” added H-J. Applications are now open for up to 30 lucky pupils with interviews to take place in mid-April.
To find out more and to apply:
Thank you to photographers Lui’s Gallery and Simon Fall-Taylor.
Engage with China 