Following the incredible success of last year’s celebrations, which attracted over 3,500 people to the city centre, Newport is thrilled to welcome back its Lunar New Year festival for 2025.
Newport City Council, The Newport Chinese Community Centre, and The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre are partnering together for another year to host Lunar New Year celebrations in the heart of Newport. On Saturday 1st February, the city will transform into a vibrant hub of culture and festivities, honouring the Year of the Snake.
To mark this important day in the Lunar calendar, the day will begin with a procession led by Lion dancers, starting at Friars Walk from 10am and making their way through the city centre to The Riverfront Theatre. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lanterns or wear their best red attire to join in the fun. From 11am to 4pm, The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre will host an exciting line-up of workshops, demonstrations, performances, and family-friendly activities, including free crafts, face painting, and a Chinese craft and food market.
“We’re delighted to once again be supporting the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations,” said Emma Corten, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for culture and communications.
“Last year’s event created a fantastic buzz in the city centre, bringing together people from communities all across Newport, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store at this year’s event.”
“This is the start of an exciting line-up of events planned for the city centre over the next few months, and I hope as many people as possible join us in what is sure to be a lively celebration!”
Titled ‘The Snake Awakens,’ the celebration will highlight a range of Chinese crafts and traditions including, a tea ceremony, calligraphy, Qi Gong, origami, and Chinese paper cutting, alongside spectacular music and performances. The festivities will conclude with the unveiling of a serpent fire sculpture taking place outside the Riverfront Theatre, followed by a captivating one-woman show, ‘The Ballad of Mulan’, inspired by the real Chinese heroine behind Disney’s animation and live-feature film.
May Ling Evans chairperson of The Newport Chinese Community Centre commented “”Newport Chinese Community Centre have been busy preparing for the event and are really looking forward to the new addition of some food stalls. We hope everyone will come along and enjoy the Lunar New Year celebrations together.”
Sharon Casey, Head of Theatre, Arts and Culture at the Riverfront Theatre, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Newport Chinese Community Centre and Newport City Council once again to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This is set to be a day full of joy, creativity, and community spirit for all ages. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Riverfront for this vibrant and memorable event bringing communities together.”
In preparation for the celebration, The Riverfront has been hosting free lantern-making workshops in partnership with Corn Exchange and Newport Rising, encouraging community members to craft their own lanterns to bring to the procession. The final workshop will take place on Saturday 25th January, from 11am to 4pm at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
For more information on Newport’s Lunar New Year celebrations and how to get involved in activities at home, visit newportlive.co.uk/lunar-new-year.
The Lunar New Year celebration was part-funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting cultural festivities and community engagement.
