WokyFest 2020 at Wapping Wharf: what to expect

Posted on: 20 Jan 2020

Chinese New Year kicks off this Saturday! This year marks the Year of the Rat, and Woky Ko (on Wapping Wharf) is getting ready to celebrate.

 

Every year, Woky Ko's festival, WokyFest, brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to Wapping Wharf.

 

A full day of food, activities and performance, WokyFest is happening this weekend (Saturday 25 January) from 11:00. Here’s a taste of what to expect.

Visit Wapping Wharf between 11:00 and 21:30 to enjoy the family-friendly festivities; from Tai Chi sessions to Zodiac puppet making workshops.

 

Not only that, but you’ll also have the chance to try your hand at calligraphy and Chinese writing workshops.

 

Throughout the day, Wapping Wharf will be awash with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.

 

Experience a traditional lion dance with the University of Bristol’s Chinese Lion Dance Troupe, who will be performing at 13:30 and 17:45.

Alternatively, take a stroll through the Wharf and see hundreds of lanterns lighting up the walkways of Wapping Wharf.

 

As you amble through the lanterns, don’t forget to look out for the traditional red envelopes of good fortune which will adorn the route through Goal Ferry Steps.

 

The decorative envelopes will contain your New Year fortune, as well as receive a “very special treat”.

 

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Chinese New Year without some amazing food. On the day, visit WokyFest hosts Woky Ko for a flurry of fantastic Asian food.

 

But don’t just take our word for it: Woky Ko’s founder, Larkin Cen, was a Masterchef finalist back in 2013.

Pigsty will also join the celebration with a one-off dish: the WokyHog.

 

It’s a Jolly Hog Proper Porker Patty, with peanut Satay pulled pork shoulder and crunchy Asian slaw, all served in a milk bun.

 

Woky Ko isn't the only place to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bristol, however. 


As well as Woky Fest, Wai Yee Hong in Eastville will also celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rat on Saturday 25 January with an all-day extravaganza.

 

Their annual free family event will see dance and martial arts performances, as well as the traditional lion dance, with the help of local dance troupes and associations. 

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