National Museums Liverpool celebrate Chinese New Year with a programme of exciting free events during January and February.

World Museum Liverpool marks the year of the Dog by hosting the 'Hung Gar Kung Fu Club Lion Dance' on Sunday 22 and Saturday 28 January 2006. Performances begin at 1400 and 1500 hours in the Atrium, each followed by martial arts demonstrations in the Treasure House Theatre, beginning at 1430 and 1530 hours.

In a feast of music and colour, the lion dance is typical of Chinese New Year festivities. In ancient Chinese folklore, the lion is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead and chases away bad spirits.

Colin Summers, a member of the Hung Gar Kung Fu club, says:

“The lion dance is a Chinese tradition to bring good fortune, not just for new year but for special occasions, for instance, when a new business opens.The Hung Gar Kung Fu club has travelled internationally over the years to perform the lion dance and bring good fortune.”

Merseyside Maritime Museum is joining in the fun with a programme of free Chinese-themed activities for all the family:
The Dragons and Lanterns Chinese Crafts workshops on Sunday 29 January 2006, from 1300 – 1600 hours, gives visitors the chance to learn about what the year of the Dog means for them, whilst making colourful Chinese lanterns, fans and dragons.
Pillars of Liverpool’s oldest Chinese Community, Mr and Mrs Li are holding a Chinese Crafts workshop on Saturday 4 February 2006, from 1300 – 1600 hours. Calligraphy lessons and musical demonstrations are all part of the fun-packed day.

The Chinese Pagoda Community Centre is lending their Chinese Youth Orchestra for some musical diversion on Monday 6 February 2006.Performances begin at 1400 and 1500 hours.
The Treasure House Theatre has free family shows everyday at 1400 hours Monday – Friday and 1400 and 1500 hours at weekends.There are additional shows throughout school holidays.

Tickets are required for all shows at Treasure House Theatre.They can be collected from World Museum Liverpool’s information desk on the day of performance and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

ALSO
Join the celebrations in Nelson St. at 11.00 on Sunday January 29th. Details on the Liverpool Culture Blog