Chinese New Year and a banging opportunity

THE Chinese are heralding the Year of the Dragon this weekend, and, if you like making a noise, the omens are good. 

For the first time, a water dragon will hit the city streets, taking over Bold Street and the Ropewalks area. 

Community drum bangers Urban Strawberry Lunch have created the three metre beast out of old lanterns, fake fur, huge pipe cleaners and glitter balls.  

They are asking people of all ages to get involved in what will be called the Urban Ritual part of the parade, by bringing something they can play - from old pots and pans to hand held portable drums - giving a musical accompaniment to the performance. 

Ambrose Reynolds of Urban Strawberry Lunch

There are short rehearsals taking place at 2pm on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 January at St Luke’s Church, or people are welcome to turn up at the church with their music making utensils at 1.30pm on the Sunday.  

Ambrose Reynolds, artistic director for USL, said: “We love Chinese New Year. It’s one of those rare times when the whole city can gather together to celebrate. 

“We’re really looking forward to people getting involved with the Urban Water Dragon parade too – it’s our chance to bring a bit of dragon magic to Bold Street and have a bit of fun at the same time.” 

Celebrations will take place between 11am and 4pm in the Chinatown area including Nelson Street, Berry Street, Great George Street and Great George Square where, at 1pm, there will be a firecracker display.  For the first time many performers will then move to Bold Street to perform outside the Chinese-related businesses. 

Market

The water dragon will entertain the crowds before and after the spectacular lion, dragon and unicorn parade, which takes place along Nelson Street and Bury Street just after 1pm. 

The hugely successful Taste of China street market will also return be on a much larger scale than 2011 – with over 45 food & craft stalls taking over Great George Street. 

Around 15,000 people are expected to take part in the festivities against the magnificent backdrop of Europe’s biggest Chinese arch on Nelson Street.

For more information about taking part in the Water Dragon parade, call 0771 432 8415.