Thamesmead's Chinese New Year Celebrations

Chinese New Year celebrations will be taking place all over the world 7-9 February 2008 and Thamesmead will be no exception.

Trust Thamesmead has been working in conjunction with Emergency Exit Arts, the London Chinese Culture and Arts Community Organisation and Thamesmead Town Centre Traders Association to bring four hours of tradition and fun to Thamesmead Town Centre (by the clock tower), 12:00-4:00pm on Saturday 9 February.

This will include Chinese singing, the waking of the dragon, Chinese and lion dances and Linton Mead Primary School's Gong Orchestra, Tai Chi demonstrations and various workshops throughout the day, including how to make Chinese masks, puppets and lanterns.

Thamesmead Town Centre's Chinese New Year Celebration

12:00pm     Traditional Chinese singing
12:30pm     Chinese dragon and lion dances
12:35pm     Waking the dragon ceremony
12:35pm     Tai Chi
1:20pm       Linton Mead School Gong Orchestra
1:35pm       Chinese dragon and lion dances
1:45pm       Linton Mead School Gong Orchestra
2:00pm       Traditional Chinese singing
2:25pm       Chinese dragon and lion dances
2:35pm       Tai Chi
3:05pm       Chinese dragon and lion dances

The Chinese animal zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 animals, a different one for each year. These recurring animals represent a concept of time, traditionally used for dating the years in China and 2008 welcomes the Year of the Rat - in contrast to humans long tailed, four legged nightmare, the Chinese Zodiac sign of the rat is seen to be ‘cheerful, charming and welcome everywhere'.

Whether you are a rat, a dragon, a snake or a dog - everyone is welcome. So pop along and join in the celebration. Pick up a Trust Thamesmead leaflet and you will be able to find out exactly what Chinese Zodiac you are and what it means.