Here’s your chance to escape the wet and windy British winter and experience the exciting musical customs and traditions of China, by joining in local celebrations for the Chinese New Year!
On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February dragon dancers, lantern makers and musicians will be converging on Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre near Heanor to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rat. The celebrations are a collaboration between Amber Valley Borough Council Arts Development and Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service.
On 16 February artists Rosemary Timms and Jeni Smith will be leading Lantern Making Workshops for all the family from 10am until 12 noon and from 1pm until 3pm. The workshops cost £1 per child but accompanying adults can take part for free! Booking is essential as places are limited – ring Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 to reserve your place.
On Sunday 17 February you’ll get the chance to show off your previous day’s work by joining a Chinese Lantern Procession at Shipley Country Park. The procession will be accompanied by a dragon, dragon dancers and Chinese musicians. Chinese refreshments will also be available. Assemble at the Visitor Centre for 3.15pm to join the procession at 3.30pm. The event is free - everyone welcome!
For more information about the celebrations contact the Amber Valley Borough Council Arts Development team on 01773 841419.
Ends.
News release issued by Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, telephone 01773 841655.
Notes for editors:
Children at nearby Coppice and Mundy schools will be making their lanterns with Rosemary and Jeni earlier in the week ready to join the Sunday procession. They’ll also be listening to Chinese music with musician Ling Peng and learning about Chinese New Year traditions. At Mundy Junior School children will also be practicing some Dragon Dances.
Ling and friends will be playing at the Visitor Centre during the afternoon of Sunday 17 February while the Chinese lantern bearers and dragon dancers assemble and start lighting their lanterns to begin the procession at 3.30pm.
Photographs of the Chinese musicians are available on request.
