Thousands defy rain to usher in the Year of the Snake in style

“Birmingham’s Chinatown was awash with colour as nearly 20,000 people defied pouring rain in the Arcadian Centre to usher in the Year of the Snake. Thousands of families from all communities turned out as a vibrant programme of Lion Dancing, Kung Fu demonstrations, Chinese Acrobatics and many more, coupled with dry weather, created a carnival-like atmosphere for the thousands of revellers who turned out to celebrate – especially as it was all provided free of charge.

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Councillor John Lines and Liam Byrne, MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill kicked off the celebrations by performing the traditional “dotting of the dragon’s eyes” ceremony to mark the start of the Chinese New Year. A spectacular firework display and dragon dances filled the Arcadian Centre with noise and colour. The new partnership with Lyca Mobile and continued partnership with Genting Casinos meant the festival exceeded all expectations. There were more stalls and entertainments on Hurst Street, where people sampled Chinese food and had their names written in Chinese calligraphy.

On the main stage in the Arcadian Centre, members of the public from all communities were treated to thrilling acrobatics from the Bai Ling Chinese Acrobats, spectacular Lion Dancing on poles by the Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu academy and charming dancing from the children of Chinese schools in Birmingham. There was even a double-decker bus which toured the City Centre with Dragon Dancing on board!

Festival Committee Chairman Jeffrey Yap said, “This year’s celebrations were brilliant. We were delighted to see so many families from all communities come to the usher in the Year of the Snake. We hope the Snake brings good fortune to businesses and families across the region. Our event is becoming so popular, and we hope to build on that success to ensure the Year of the Horse is even more successful! Thanks must go to all committee members for their hard work throughout the year, and partners for their support.”

The main sponsor for the 2013 festival was Lyca Mobile. The silver sponsor was Genting Casinos. Other partners include: Birmingham City Council (Leisure and Tourism), The Arcadian Centre, Ibis Hotels (Birmingham City Centre), and Midland Linen Services."

-ENDS-

Note to editors:

1. When publishing stories about the above event online, please provide a link to our official website: https://cnybirmingham.org.uk.

2. Chinese New Year’s Day fell on 10 February 2013 but changes annually.

The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation. It's membership comprises of:

Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club

Birmingham Chinese Women's Association

Birmingham Chinese Society

Birmingham Overseas Chinese Association School

Arcadian Centre Management

Birmingham City Council (Leisure and Tourism Dept.)

Chinese Community Centre, Birmingham

Birmingham Chinese School