Chinese New Years Celebration in Newcastle Feb 3rd 2011

The Chinese New Year on February 3rd, 2011 provides plenty of opportunities to celebrate after the traditional New Year's festivities are over. Newcastle Upon Tyne transforms itself into a centre of entertainment by hosting their annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which will be honouring the 'year of the rabbit'. All the festivities will take place between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM on February 3rd at Bath Lane and Stowell Street, which is just minutes from the Newgate shopping center. The main attraction is the large procession that has dragon and lion dancers making their way down Stowell Street to the beat of drums and cymbals. The dancers are joined by local performing artists from the nearby Chinese cultural center along with Chinese ribbon dancers and exhibitions from the local Kung Fu club. The North East Chinese Association will be open all day, providing visitors with the opportunity to view different exhibitions on Chinese culture, costumes and arts as well as a hands-on experience with Chinese crafts. Stowell Street will also be a great place to try traditional and new age Chinese cuisine from one of the many vendors.

The celebrations continue at Charlotte Square on Thornton Street, where children's activities will be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Among the various activities, children will be able to make Chinese lanterns and learn how to create tiger masks. After taking in the celebrations and activities, you can settle down in the afternoon by observing or participating in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at one of the oriental cafes located on Low Friar Street.

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