Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese people all around the world and in Newcastle too, where the Chinese community usually celebrate in style and welcome residents of the city to join in. The Spring Festival is celebrated from 22 January until 5th February 2023 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit.
Celebrations in Newcastle have been disrupted in previous years, but any activities will be advertised. There are also events in Durham and British Council has published a Year of the Rabbit education resource pack with activities for primary schools to engage with. You can also find out more about Chinese New Year and Newcastle’s Chinese community in this article.
Chinese Spring Festival (New Year)
Chinese New Year is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival.
The date for Chinese New Year is different every year as it is set according to the Lunar calendar. It falls on the first day of the new moon which begins in either late January or February. Celebrations last for around 15 days, ending on the day of the full moon.
Customs differ, but Chinese New Year is important for families to come together and wish each other peace and prosperity for the year ahead.
Chinese New Year in Newcastle
In Newcastle, public celebrations usually focus around Stowell Street in China Town, with an an hour-long parade through the city culminating in a dragon and lion dance in Stowell Street.
Celebrations are organised by Newcastle’s Chinese Festival Group each year and is a colourful and joyous celebration of culture and traditions – and fireworks!
Over the last few years, there have not been any events, due to the pandemic, but we will share details of activities in January, when they are publicised.
Newcastle’s Chinese Community
China Town in Newcastle is one of only five China Towns in the UK and sits at the heart of the Chinese community. Based around Stowell Street in the city centre, it has a bustling Chinese community centre, supermarket and a fabulous selection of restaurants.
There are now over 35,000 people in the community in the city and surrounding areas, from all over the world – Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and South East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore). There is also a strong Chinese student body in both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities.
The North East Chinese Association (NECA) and the Northern British Chinese Entrepreneur Association are two of the key organisations supporting and representing the community. NECA was formed in 1979 by volunteers to support the local community and now provides a wide range of cultural, social and education services and opportunities.
Did you know?
- St John’s cemetery in Elswick has the first recorded Chinese person in the city, with a headstone in Chinese letters from 1881, dedicated to a Chinese sailor.
- The first Chinese restaurant opened in 1949, but it was in the 1960s-1980s that a lot more migration occured, with people seeking business opportunities and the chance to make a better living.
- China Town marked a significant step when in in 2004, an 11 metre high Chinese arch, built by Shanghai craftsmen was erected on St Andrew’s Street, flanked by two Chinese guardian lions and facing St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club.
Year of the Rabbit Education Pack for Primary Schools
This education pack for primary schools contains information and activities to help teachers and pupils learn more about this important spring festival and explore Chinese language and culture.
Pupils can read a traditional tale explaining why they might be able to spot the outline of a rabbit on the moon, practice vocabulary and calligraphy linked to counting pets and get creative painting rabbits with brushes and ink. They can also learn traditional rabbit proverbs and celebrate the New Year festival by making delicious, custard-filled rabbit dumplings.
Durham celebrations 21 January 2023
Every year Durham organises celebrations around the Chinese lunar new year, which are open to anyone to attend. In 2023, these will take place on Saturday 21st January at Durham Town Hall with a range of Chinese arts, culture and crafts for people to get involved with and enjoy.
Click here for more details and see the poster below.
