The Chinese or Lunar New Year is an important holiday which is celebrated across the world.
The ancient legends tell of a ferocious monster with sharp teeth and horns, who hunted people and destroyed villages at the end of the lunar year. One day, in order to seek revenge on the beast, an old man scared it away using red clothes, red hanging lanterns, and red spring scrolls. These elements have retained their place in the lunar new year celebrations to this day.
On Sunday 17 February, parts of the tradition will be recreated at a Lantern Parade Festival in Southampton city centre. This thrilling new event will invite contributors to build free lanterns to use as part of a celebratory walk around the city centre, headed by a lighted Chinese dragon and followed by a Chinese lion dance. Additional activities include a tai chi exhibition and other cultural activities.
The lantern workshops will be held in the John Hansard Gallery from 15:00–17:00. No combustible materials will be used for the lanterns – LED lights will be the main light source. Those who do not wish to use the provided lanterns are invited to bring along hand-held torches or mobile phones. Other activities will take place in Guildhall Square from 15:00.
The parade will launch at 17:00, following introductions by Woodrow Kernohan, Director of the John Hansard Gallery, and Winne Eley, Vice President (International) at 16:50 from outside the John Hansard Gallery. It will follow south down Above Bar, east before Bargate, and then back north towards the gallery via the parks, and is expected to finish on Guildhall Square at around 17:45.
Everyone is welcome to come along for free, and we look forward to seeing many of you there!
(Please note that the programme and activities may change without notice).
