Chinese New Year events in Ilkeston and Long Eaton are set to attract hundreds this weekend to celebrate the Year of the Sheep.
Workshops, performances and processions are amongst a huge range of events residents and visitors are being invited to join.
Organised by Erewash Borough Council, the events have previously attracted very large audiences.
The popular late afternoon lantern procession and Market Place celebration in Ilkeston will be taking place again after a good turnout last year.
Events on February 21
Long Eaton
- 12-2pm- Free craft and Chinese mask-making workshop on the Market Place.
- 2pm-2.30pm- Procession featuring a giant goat puppet made by local schoolchildren will make its way from the Chatsworth Centre to the Market Place, followed by storytelling and a sound performance by children from Dovedale Primary School.
Ilkeston
- 10.30am- 3pm- Lantern and craft workshops at Erewash museum. Admission is free to the Museum, with £1.50 per child for craft activities.
- 5pm- A lantern procession will set off from outside Shopmobility. Performances by children from Ilkeston’s St Thomas Catholic Primary School will feature storytelling and traditional Chinese percussion music.
- The Market Place celebration will also include traditional music played by Chinese classical musician Ling Peng and a free Chinese ribbon dance workshop for the under 5s.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s lead member for Culture and Leisure, says:
Our Chinese New Year celebrations are always colourful, lively and great entertainment for all the family.
“People of all ages will enjoy watching and joining in the celebrations to mark the Year of the Sheep and we hope to see you all there.”
Chinese New Year
A chinese festival which marks the start of a new year.
It begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ends on the full moon 15 days later.
Those who celebrate it mark the festival with gift giving, special meals, fireworks and visits to family and friends.
The Chinese New Year celebrations mark the end in the council’s Festival of Light programme which has also celebrated Harvest Moon, Diwali, Christmas and Winter Solstice.
To read Notts TV News’ feature on Diwali celebrations in Nottingham click here.
