Staff, students and members of the public celebrated in style to mark Chinese New Year 2015.
The event, hosted by the Bournemouth University Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), included traditional Chinese music, singing and dancing and was attended by over 300 people.
2015 is the Year of the Goat and the event, organised annually by CSSA, is popular with a growing Chinese community in Dorset.
Performances ranged from group dances by the Chinese Art & Culture Group (CACG) and Poole & Bournemouth Chinese Ladies Association to traditional Chinese music instrumentals, a Tai Chi demonstration, and a Lion Dance by the Waterside Lion Dance Group.
BU’s Xinglong Ma was one of the organisers, and said, “It was a wonderful event, and a wonderful evening where we were able to come together and celebrate Chinese New Year in style. It was great to see so many people there, not just those of Chinese origin but also members of the community who wanted to help us celebrate New Year.”
Among the guests on the day were Cllr Peter Adams & Mrs Brenda Adams, The Mayor and Mayoress of Poole and Dr Rodney Cooper and Elaine Cooper, Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth. They were also joined by Cllr Peter Mann & Mrs Mann, The Mayor & Mayoress of Dorchester, as well as Mr Tony Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Bournemouth Council.
Another organiser, Alan Mercel-Sanca, said, “This year’s Chinese New Year Cultural celebration by the CSSA illustrates how Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset’s identity is truly multicultural, and inspired by a ‘One World, One Humanity,’ vision that is self-confident and truly rich in its cultural diversity!”
