Gravity defying acrobatic troupe help Belfast Welcome Chinese New Year

Among those present for the 45-minute performance were Chinese Consul General Li Nan as well as members of the local Chinese community, school children and representatives from the arts community.

The troupe, which also gave a short performance earlier in the day at Belfast City Hall, are in Northern Ireland as part of a UK-wide tour to mark the Chinese New Year of the Snake.

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important events in the Chinese calendar. Celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of a spring, it is traditionally held when the new moon appears between 21 January and 20 February. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of intelligence, wisdom, and charm.

Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, said: 

“We are delighted to join with Translink and the Chinese Consulate today to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year calendar. Events like these create valuable opportunities to come together, learn about each other’s traditions and cultures and help strengthen relationships with the Chinese community in Northern Ireland. It has been wonderful to see commuters stopping on the journey today to enjoy the marvellous talent of the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe, bringing the station to life with their incredible performance.”

Speaking ahead of the event, Consul General Mr. LI Nan, said: 

"On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for tremendous support and considerate arrangement for co-organizing Happy Chinese New Year in Belfast. This year's Happy Chinese New Year is the very first edition since the end of Pandemic. We are delighted to see the cultural exchange brand come back to Northern Ireland once again! Belfast is well-known for its cultural diversity and artistic vitality. When Happy Chinese New Year meets with Belfast, it will certainly make the local people feel the blessings of the Chinese New Year.

He continued, 

"The Happy Chinese New Year brand has a history of more than 20 years, the ACNI has long been committed to promoting culture and the arts, I deeply believe that this event, jointly organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, the ACNI and Translink, will certainly contribute to the colourful local culture and diverse indigenous arts. The Spring Festival is initiated by China, but is being celebrated around the whole World. The Spring Festival is a huge public cultural product that China offers to the World. 

The Chinese Consulate General in Belfast would like to take the occasion to focus on cultural and people-to-people exchanges in collaboration with the ACNI to boost bilateral relationships between China and Northern Ireland. As a famous Chinese saying goes, friendship between the people leads to good relations between countries and nations. I do hope that by co-hosting Happy Chinese New Year, the hearts of the Chinese people and the people of Northern Ireland can be brought closer together! Finally, I sincerely wish the people of Northern Ireland a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!”

Jacqui Kennedy, Chief People Officer at Translink, added: 

"Spaces like Belfast Grand Central Station play a vital role in bringing communities closer, providing a place for us to create memories, and welcome visitors to experience the rich culture, music, and performances that make Chinese New Year so special. At Translink we are committed to helping better connect our communities, and this event is a great opportunity to share cultures, celebrate together, and experience the joy of the Lunar New Year."