Lunar New Year celebrations kick off in style on Saturday 10 February with the return of the much-loved Lion Dance Parade.
Established in Maidenhead in 1997, performers from the Eagle Claw Kung Fu School UK have teamed up with Make Maidenhead to bring this spectacular event to the town centre.
The traditional Lion Dance, Kung Fu performance and thunder drumming, producing an exciting display of colour and rhythm, will start at 12.30pm from the Boy and the Boat statue on the High Street.
The children, young people and families can prepare for the celebrations with a Lunar New Year inspired free craft activity hosted by Craft Coop, taking place in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre from 10.30am
The activities are open for ages 3+ and accompanying adults.
Cllr Joshua Reynolds, Cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: “We’re very fortunate in the Royal Borough to have several communities who mark Lunar New Year. The lion dance through town and associated crafts are a fun and colourful opportunity for everyone of any age to come together to celebrate Lunar New Year and the diverse cultures represented locally. I thank all those who have supported the event and wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon.”
Robyn Bunyan, Maidenhead town manager, added: “The Lunar New Year celebrations in Maidenhead are an occasion not to be missed. The students of Eagle Claw Kung Fu School always bring a great buzz in the town! – make sure you are keeping up to date with events on our social media pages’
Maidenhead’s Lunar New Year celebrations are funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Maidenhead Town Partnership.
The Maidenhead Town Partnership includes The Shanly Foundation, Sorbon Estates, Legal & General Investment Management, The Louis Baylis Charitable Trust, HUB, JJ Rhatigan, the Nicholsons Shopping Centre and the RBWM Property Company. Plus the Maidenhead Civic Society, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts and the Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce.
The Town Partnership’s aims to coordinate activities which define and strengthen Maidenhead’s identity; provide Connectivity to support local businesses and the community; offer experiences which engage businesses, community groups and the public; and animate the surrounding with events, art, heritage, and markets.
Celebrations continue in Windsor the first time this year, with the Lion Dance taking place in Windsor Royal Shopping Centre at 3pm on the same day, Saturday 10 February.
The Royal Borough Lunar New Year Celebrations are kindly supported by People to Places, who are providing community transport to the Lion Dance team between Windsor and Maidenhead.