In 2009, cities and towns all over the UK welcome the Year of the Ox. This year celebrations span the end of January and the beginning of February - with the Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, at the center of most festivities. Here's the rundown:
- Birmingham Sunday, February 1, loads of free events at The Arcadian in the Chinese Quarter. Dragon Dance and Firecrackers at noon, followed by Chinese karaoke, folk dancing and Kung Fu. More Dragon Dancing at 4:30p.m. to round it off.
- CardiffFree entertainment, displays and workshops at the Millennium Centrefrom 11:30a.m. to 4p.m.,January 25.
- Chatham, Kent A small town but a big party. The third largest Chinese festival in the UK. The New Year is welcomed with a dragon dance, between noon and 1:30, January 24 on the high street. The main events take place on 25 January and include a spectacular Chinese show, 2:30 p.m. at the Central Theatre.
- Coventry Festivities will take place at the Isle Casino, Ricoh Arena, ( Tel: +44 (0)24 7668 4747) January 25-27. In addition to the usual fun, there will be a Chinese karaoke competition and a Mah Jong tournament.
- Edinburgh A free, drop in event at the National Museum of Scotland, noon to 4 p.m. February 8. Event will include music, dance, calligraphy, art and animation.
- Galashiels Dragon festival, from noon, January 24 at the Volunteer Hall. There will be martial arts demonstrations, Chinese acrobatics, a circus troupe, and, of course, a Lion Dance.
- Glasgow Family celebrations at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, on January 24,from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Event will include performances by Harmony Chinese Music Ensemble and the Glasgow Oriental Dance Association, Chinese storytelling by The Village, and arts and crafts activities.
- Liverpool Did you know that Liverpool's Chinese Arch is the largest outside of China? As always, the arch, on Nelson Street, is where the oldest Chinese community in Europe celebrations. This year, plan on being there at 11 a.m. on January 25 and 26.
- London, Trafalgar Square Traditionally, the London Chinatown Association celebrates on the first Sunday after Chinese New Year. That's February 1 in 2009, the Year of the Ox. Events kick off with a grand parade along the Strand, Charing Cross Road and Shaftsbury Avenue, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Trafalgar Square festivities from noon to 6 p.m. International artists, both Chinese and Western opera, and a firecracker demonstration over Leicestser Square that promises to be deafening.
- Manchester goes all out with Chinatown Celebrations February 1 from mid morning, around the Chinese Arch. Dragon and Lion Dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, folk dance performances, fireworks and A spectacular Golden Dragon Parade. Later, head to the Manchester Art Gallery - for a whole day of family-friendly events - music, performances and workshops - all day, all free. Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nottingham Chinese New Year spectacular with fireworks finale. From 4:30p.m. at the Lakeside Arts Centre in University Park
- Sheffield Festive stalls, chinese food and a Chinese New Year Show, 5 to 9:30p.m. at Sheffield City Hall. Admission £5. Seniors, students and children £3.
- Southhampton Civic Center Traditional dim jing ceremony at the civic center at 11 a.m. , Sunday, January 25, when the mayor will "dot the eye" of the dragon. The parade sets off at 12:30p.m..Chinese Market at Bargate, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your camera - the best photo of Southampton's Chinese New Year wins dinner for four at the Dragon Palace. Find out more about the competition from the Chinese Association of Southampton.
- Stoke on Trent Dragon and lion dancing, free craft and calligraphy workshops at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley, Stoke on Trent,10am - 4pm, January 31.
