\n The festival will take place on Sunday, February 22, to welcome the Year of the Horse with family-friendly festivities across the Royal Porcelain Works and the Museum of Royal Worcester.\n<\/p>\n
\n A musical programme in Henry Sandon Hall will feature award-winning Chinese artists, including internationally acclaimed soprano Chen Wang.\n<\/p>\n
\n Ms Wang said: “Music inspires the imagination and moves the soul and we hope that visitors will get a flavour of China through our performances.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It is our pleasure to inspire visitors.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Another treat is\u00a0flute virtuoso Guo Yue, whose career has taken him from the Beijing Olympic Games to collaborations with artists like Peter Gabriel and Sin\u00e9ad O’Connor\u00a0as well as on soundtracks for international films including The Last Emperor.\n<\/p>\n
\n Now in its 27th year, the event is organised by the Worcestershire Chinese Association in partnership with charities, cultural organisations, and supporters from across the city.\n<\/p>\n
\n More than 2,000 people attended last year\u2019s celebration, which has become a staple in Worcester\u2019s cultural calendar.\n<\/p>\n
\n A major highlight will be the traditional Lion Dance, performed by Worcester\u2019s Kui de Tang school at 12.30pm on Severn Street.\n<\/p>\n
\n The energetic and colourful performance is believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the year ahead.\n<\/p>\n
\n \n Frankie Tsang, chair of the Worcestershire Chinese Association, said: “We are proud to bring Chinese New Year celebrations to Worcester, which we started 27 years ago!\n<\/p>\n \n “The Lion Dance is very popular and a wonderful way to share Chinese culture with our city.\n<\/p>\n \n “Thank you to funders The Bransford Trust and Councillor Tor Pingree Divisional Fund who have helped towards costs.\n<\/p>\n \n “I am proud that this event is a true collaboration and gift to our local communities.”\n<\/p>\n \n The Museum of Royal Worcester\u00a0has introduced a discounted entry fee of \u00a33.50 per person towards the event costs.\n<\/p>\n \n Inside, a full line-up of cultural activities awaits, including Chinese tea-tasting, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and family-friendly arts and crafts\u00a0workshops will be led by Mandarin teacher Abbie Lu, students from Christopher Whitehead Language College, and members of Worcestershire Litfest.\n<\/p>\n \n Kathy Leather, general manager of the Bransford Trust, said: “We are delighted to support Chinese New Year celebrations at Royal Porcelain Works.\n<\/p>\n \n “The site provides a vibrant and welcoming setting for community events that celebrate culture, creativity, and shared heritage.\n<\/p>\n \n “Look out for Ping Ping the Panda who will be roaming the Royal Porcelain Works courtyard, greeting visitors and posing for photographs.”\n<\/p>\n \n Engage with China will also guide visitors to try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, one of the event\u2019s most popular hands-on activities.\n<\/p>\n \n H-J Colston-Inge, director of Engage with China, said: “With the Prime Minister\u2019s visit to China this week and visa-free travel for British citizens, we hope that this event will give a flavour of what China is like and perhaps inspire visitors to travel there in the future.\n<\/p>\n \n “Chinese culture continues to inspire curiosity and interest.\n<\/p>\n \n “Our annual Chinese New Year celebrations provide a joyful and accessible way for people of all ages to engage with Chinese traditions and build understanding.”\n<\/p>\n \n In the Museum\u2019s Paint-Your-Own-Pottery studio, visitors can paint ceramic horses, lions and pandas as a keepsake to symbolise good fortune and renewal.\n<\/p>\n \n Kate Travers, Museum of Royal Worcester director, said:\u00a0\u201cInspiration from China holds a special place in the Museum\u2019s story.\n<\/p>\n \n “Chinese New Year is a wonderful opportunity to connect visitors with the origins of tea drinking in Britain and the Chinese art and design that influenced Worcester porcelain.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n New for this year, food will be provided by Tiger Bites Pig, a popular bao bun vendor from Birmingham.\n<\/p>\n \n For the full programme and booking information visit www.museumofroyalworcester.org\/whats-on or follow TheMoRW on Facebook and Instagram.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWorcester celebrates Chinese New Year with a Lion Dance, live music, tea ceremony and family events (Image: Museum of Royal Worcester)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n