Celebrate Chinese New Year in style this year with some fantastic events in Bristol!
Posted on: 01 Feb 2018The Chinese New Year is almost upon us, with 2018 marked as The Year of the Dog - the eleventh in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac signs. Celebrations this year will commence on Friday 16th February, traditionally continuing for 23 days. The date marks the new Lunar year - which is why it falls on a different date to our own New Year's festivities - and millions of people worldwide will be celebrating.
The Year of the Dog celebrations will last until March 2nd, marked with a traditional ring of bells, lighting of firecrackers and fantastic displays featuring costumes and props. The Chinese New Year is symbolic of a new start, with many families getting together to eat and drink, as well as traditionally cleaning their houses and other spaces, 'sweeping away' bad fortune in preparation for the year ahead. We've had a look at some of the best Chinese New Year events on offer in Bristol this year, check out some of them below and see what catches your eye!
Bristol-based street food joint Woky Ko will be marking the Year of the Dog with the return of Woky Fest - a one-day event on Friday 16th February that features a fantastic special menu as well as dance, music and more, curated by owner and Masterchef finalist Larkin Cen.
Taking place on Wapping Wharf, expect top-quality Asian street food, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, live music and much more. Free to attend, get yourself down to Woky Fest between 5.30pm and 9.30pm for a real taste of authentic Chinese New Year celebration!
Every year, Wai Yee Hong hosts Bristol's biggest FREE Chinese New Year festivities, featuring live music, dance, Kung Fu exhibitions and much more. A food wholesaler the rest of the year, Wai Yee Hong never passes up the opportunity to share their heritage with Bristol locals, inviting you to a full day of celebration on Saturday 17th February.
Performances this year include X Factor finalist Tita Lau, dance group Street Envy, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance from the Yi Quin troupe, as well as an array of other activities and stalls such as face painting, Chinese New Year's gifts and a huge variety of delicious authentic Chinese cuisine.
The Bristol Museum are holding their annual Chinese New Year celebrations once again this year, welcoming in the Year of the Dog with traditional and contemporary performances, stalls, workshops and other activities. Stalls feature elements of Chinese culture, as well as a delicious Chinese-inspired menu on offer in the cafe and some crafted Chinese goods in the gift shop. The 2018 celebrations take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February, with doors open from 11am-4pm.
Are there any more Chinese New Year events in Bristol that we've missed from this list? Let us know! Contact us through our website or via Facebook. For more information on the events above, follow the links in the article.
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
