Chester's Chinese New Year celebrations Year of the Rat

Chester will celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rat on Saturday, 25 January with a parade of traditional Chinese lion and dragon dancing, Tai Chi performance and celebratory cultural characters from Bridge Street, culminating with multicultural performances in the Storyhouse and celebration banquet at the Slowboat Restaurant.

The God of Prosperity, The Emperor of Heaven and The Happy Buddha will take to the city streets on Saturday morning in an event delivered by the Wah Lei Chinese Association supported by the council, the Bank of America and the Slowboat Restaurant. Preparations are already well under way with rehearsals involving cultural dancing, singing, poetry recital, martial arts practices including a special performance with Tai Chi Panda at the Storyhouse.

The festival begins at 11am at Bridge Street and will include a Tai Chi demonstration from the Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan based in Handbridge, followed by the waking of the Lions to dance and parade through Chester city centre together with a giant dragon to arrive at the Storyhouse at 12pm to kick off the cultural performances in the community space next to the restaurant.

CLICK HERE for further details including restaurant which must be booked in advance.