Published: January 21, 2019
A run-through of all the events and celebrations happening across the North East
Chinese New Year falls on 5 February this year and celebrates the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese 12-year animal zodiac. Events and celebrations will be taking place all across the North East. The Chinese New Year always proves to be a colourful and energetic event, why not check out what’s happening near you below?
Sunderland
- Sunderland Winter Gardens
- 2 February 11am-3pm
Celebrate the Year of the Pig with Chinese arts and crafts, lion dances, family trails, crafts and selling stalls.
Gateshead
- Gateshead Central Library
- 2 February 10am-12:30pm
Join artist Chun Chao in celebrating the Year of the Pig in this workshop. You will experience traditional Chinese New Year creative activities, such as paper cutting, writing Chinese New Year couplets, painting spring flowers and brush painting.
Tickets are £12 each and should be pre-booked.
Newcastle
- Stowell Street
- 5 February 11 am onwards
Welcome in the Year of the Pig with traditional celebrations in Newcastle including parades, crafts, and vibrant activities.
The main party is centred around Stowell Street with a parade that is one of the largest in the UK and celebrations take place all across Chinatown and into the city centre.
Durham
- Durham Town Hall, Clayport Library and various locations throughout the city
- 9 February 11 am onwards
From Chinese language taster sessions to crafts, horoscopes and dance performances, Durham is hosting a whole range of activities from 9th February. Celebrations will take place across the city at various locations.
- Oriental Museum
- 19 February 6pm-8pm
For one night only, see the museum lit by lanterns. Try crafts, sample traditional Chinese food and drink, listen to stories and join in with a gallery hunt. The first 100 children to attend will receive a free lantern. Expect pig-themed crafts, paper cutting, dragon dancing, games, and calligraphy. Small charges apply (paid on the day) for some activities.
South Shields
- South Shields Museum
- 22 February 11 am - 12noon
Meet some of the Chinese calendar animals and learn about Chinese New Year the Zoolab way.
From the Chinese Zodiac to the legends of Nian and the origins of Chinese New Year celebrations, this workshop captures the stories and atmosphere of Chinese New Year.
Tickets are £5 each and should be pre-booked.
Topic: Advice and tips