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On Monday, February 12th, the Confucius Institute at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ joyously commemorated the arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon with a vibrant celebration held at Pontio. The Chinese New Year event offered attendees a captivating experience filled with live musical showcases, fascinating tai chi performances, and engaging traditional Chinese Dance and arts and crafts workshops.

One of the event's highlights was the performance by an artistic ensemble of Chinese artists from London Southbank University. Their captivating repertoire of Chinese music and dance was enjoyed by the audience of over 400 attendees, leaving a lasting impression of cultural richness and artistic quality.

In addition to the spectacular performances, the event featured drop-in workshops where attendees delved into the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, and the intricate craft of Chinese knot-making while enjoying enchanting musical performances on the Guzheng. Families enthusiastically participated in these hands-on activities, embracing the opportunity to engage in the traditions of Chinese culture.

Among the esteemed guests at the celebration was the Deputy Mayor of ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ, Councillor Gareth Parry. Reflecting on the event, Councillor Parry commented, " Many thanks for your kind invitation to the Chinese New Year celebration at Pontio, and my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed and performed to make this year’s celebration so impressive and special; it was a joy to be present and witness such a dazzling display of art and celebration’.

Another attendee remarked, ‘Thank you for an impeccably arranged and captivating day celebrating the Chinese New Year at Pontio. I enjoyed the calligraphy sessions and benefited greatly from the diverse expertise available to guide everyone. Both musical performances were enriched by the artist's insightful commentary on the narratives behind each piece. I can see that the Dragon paper-cutting activities were enjoyable for children of all ages. Lastly, the Gala captivated the audience with a blend of music, comedy, and masterful displays of choreographed martial arts, holding their attention throughout.’

at Pontio served as a testament to the cultural diversity and spirit of unity within the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ community, fostering connections and understanding across different traditions and backgrounds.