Bournemouth University celebrated Chinese New Year with traditional entertainment organised by BU’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association (BU CSSA).
The event, held at BU’s Kimmeridge House, included a traditional lion dance, songs sung by a Chinese choir and a number of musical performances.
VIPs in attendance included Bournemouth University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney and The Mayor and Mayoress of Poole Councillor Philip Eades & Mrs Helen Eades.
Xinglong Ma, vice-president of BU CSSA, was part of the team to organise the event and said, “There were lots of Chinese people celebrating together, including students, scholars as well as local Chinese people. It was great to promote our cultures in Bournemouth and Poole.
“Chinese New Year, just like Christmas, is the most important festival for the Chinese people and all family members get together to celebrate. This event was brilliant. I really want to thank all our supporters from BU’s different departments and external organisations. When we heard the roars of applause, every BU CSSA members felt very glad. Because all our work was not in vain.”
Over 100 people attended the event, with BU staff members, students and members of the public in attendance. Caroline Earth, Transition and Wellbeing Officer at Bournemouth University, said “I’ve attended a number of Chinese New Year events at BU over the years and this was certainly the biggest and best! The students had clearly put a lot of effort into organising it. It was a really interesting insight into Chinese culture and the high-point for me was the traditional lion dance. It was great to see so many people from the local Chinese community there, as well as students and staff from BU.”
Ian Jones, Head of Regional Community Partnerships at BU, said, “It was a great event and very enjoyable. I have to congratulate the organisers on creating such an amazing array of talent. I was also struck by how many from the community attended, a real testament to how hard the students worked to make it happen.”
Other entertainment at the event included a Traditional Chinese Costume and Tea Show and a solo by Dr Ping Hua using a traditional Chinese lute instrument. Chinese buffet-style refreshments were also provided by some of the event sponsors.