The South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network has recently uprooted to Patchway, where they now share a building with the Coniston Community. The timing of this move couldn’t be more perfect, as it coincided with the Lunar New Year week. To make the most of this festive occasion, the network members gathered to connect, learn, and celebrate the Lunar New Year together. The event was filled with a spirit of togetherness, as people from diverse backgrounds shared their cultures, beliefs, and experiences. It was a heartwarming experience that left everyone feeling uplifted and connected.
CELEBRATING UNITY AND CULTURE
The Lunar New Year is a vibrant and joyous occasion celebrated by millions around the world. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and the welcoming of good fortune.
This year will be the year of the dragon. It has a powerful reputation in Chinese culture and signifies authority, dignity, honour and success. After several weeks of preparation, we were finally ready to launch the event at Coniston. We were delighted to see a hall full of guests, including Patchway Mayor Cllr Dayley Lawrence, members of the public and local businesses, joined to celebrate South Gloucestershire’s diverse communities.
The celebration started with live dance and musical performances from the South Gloucestershire Chinese Association and Movema that immersed us into the rich tapestry of Chinese and Asian culture. The evening reached its pinnacle with the Tai-Chi martial arts demonstration and the Bristol Lion Dance Troupe (University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe) showcasing their mesmerizing Lion Dance performance. The young and old audience was completely captivated by the stunning display of skill and artistry.
The cultural activities corner actively engaged children and adults too! Attendees learned how to make Chinese lanterns and calligraphy, and sampled delicious Asian-inspired food, showcasing the rich heritage of the Lunar New Year celebration.
“What a wonderful evening…” said one of the attendees, Julia Smith. “We had together young, middle-aged, and older people celebrating, singing, and dancing. It’s important to have multi-cultural events to which everyone feels welcome and included.”
We can’t wait for our next event at Coniston Community Centre! At SGREN we promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity within South Gloucestershire and we want to make a positive change by connecting communities whilst promoting racial equality and celebrating diversity. Join us in our mission to build a more inclusive and equitable world by registering for our events through our membership form here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Isabelle Akissi – Community Development Worker at SGREN.
After teaching in Europe and Asia, she joined the organisation to create a positive impact on people’s lives that will go toward racial justice.
“I feel rewarded when I see smiles on so many faces from diverse backgrounds and I feel grateful to be a part of such a positive and constructive experience.” Isabelle
To find out more about SGREN or join our membership, email at: [email protected]
WE SUPPORT – WE CONNECT – WE CELEBRATE