Chinese New Year celebrations in Thamesmead Town Centre

11:57am Wednesday 30th January 2008

Chinese New Year celebrations will be taking place all over the world 7-9 February 2008 and Thamesmead will be no exception.

Trust Thamesmead has been working in conjunction with Emergency Exit Arts, the London Chinese Culture and Arts Community Organisation and Thamesmead Town Centre Traders Association to bring four hours of tradition and fun to Thamesmead Town Centre (by the clock tower), 12:00-4:00pm on Saturday 9 February.

This will include Chinese singing, the waking of the dragon, Chinese and lion dances and Linton Mead Primary School's Gong Orchestra, Tai Chi demonstrations and various workshops throughout the day, including how to make Chinese masks, puppets and lanterns.

The Chinese animal zodiac is a rotating cycle of 12 animals, a different one for each year. These recurring animals represent a concept of time, traditionally used for dating the years in China and 2008 welcomes the Year of the Rat - in contrast to humans long tailed, four legged nightmare, the Chinese Zodiac sign of the rat is seen to be cheerful, charming and welcome everywhere'.

Whether you are a rat, a dragon, a snake or a dog - everyone is welcome. So pop along and join in the celebration. Pick up a Trust Thamesmead leaflet and you will be able to find out exactly what Chinese Zodiac you are and what it means.

Explore News Shopper