Lunar New Year Twilight Festival: 4.30pm - 9.30pm, Friday 20 February, Centenary Square, Parramatta

 

Centenary Square will be transformed into Lunar Square to celebrate the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Year of the Sheep and Goat at Parramatta City Council’s free Lunar New Year Twilight Festival on Friday 20 February.

 

The Square is set to dazzle with an eclectic program across two stages showcasing traditional music and dance alongside a host of contemporary performances, workshops and authentic food stalls.

 

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said Lunar New Year is a much loved family event and one of the most revered times of the year for people of Asian background.

 

“We are proud to showcase Parramatta’s rich cultural diversity and this is a great way for people to celebrate and share in the traditions and culture of our Asian communities,” Cr Lloyd said. 

 

“2015 marks the Year of the Sheep which is said to bring a calm atmosphere full of creativity and generosity. These themes will be a focus of this year’s festival as we illuminate Centenary Square in the traditional colours of Lunar New Year.

 

“The Square will come alive with spectacular Chinese dragon and lion dances, traditional Korean drumming and exciting fire crackers and fireworks all set against a canopy of colourful lanterns.

 

“Our contemporary music program will get you dancing with live performances by electronic acoustic singer-songwriter Rainbow Chan and Australasian pop group AiAiAi. 

 

“The highlight of the night will be the spectacular performance Impressions of the Silk Road—Dancing in Chang’an by the Yuhualong Art Troupe and the beautiful Chendu Puppetry and Shadow Play Art Theatre, both coming directly from Xi’an Province, China.

 

“I encourage everyone to come along and experience this exciting cultural celebration in the heart of our City.”

 

Lunar New Year Twilight Festival Highlights

 

• Impressions of the Silk Road—Dancing in Chang’an by the Yuhualong Art Troupe and Chendu Puppetry and Shadow Play Art Theatre,  from Xi’an Province China
• Live Korean drumming and traditional Korean dancers performing the colourful fan dance
• AiAiAi (contemporary band playing the music of Taiwanese artist Bai Ann)
• Rainbow Chan (Chinese Australian electronic acoustic singer-songwriter)
• A myriad of local Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean artists sharing traditional music and dance
• Interactive family workshops including Chinese and Korean calligraphy, lantern making and Asian paper folding
• Roving entertainment including Oriental Masks, the God of Fortune and mesmerising puppets
• Gourmet food stalls with delicious cuisine from China, Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia and more
• Pop-up bar selling a variety of refreshing drinks

People are encouraged to attend the event by public transport. Plan your trip by visiting www.transportnsw.info or by calling Transport Info 131 500.

 

The closest secure parking is at Wentworth St and Horwood Pl car parks.

 

Parramatta City Council’s Lunar New Year celebrations are presented with the support of Westpac, Ausfeng Group Pty Ltd and TVB (Australia) Pty Ltd.

 

For further information about the Lunar New Year Twilight Festival visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/lny