HUNDREDS gathered to watch the dramatic Lion Dance as the people of Worcester celebrated Chinese New Year in flamboyant fashion.

Crowds assembled outside The Hive in Sawmill Walk to watch the spectacle, which was free for all to enjoy.

The traditional dance symbolises the ritual banishment of evil spirits and is designed to usher in a year of success and good fortune which perhaps resonates even more powerfully in the wake of the pandemic.

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Ordinarily the performance takes place outside the Guildhall in the High Street but The Hive proved an equally auspicious backdrop to the lively and vividly coloured ritual, marking the Year of the Tiger.

 

 

 

 

Organised by the Worcestershire Chinese Association, the celebrations began at around noon with a thunder of drums and a face-off between two larger-than-life lions who prowled about the crowd, greeting children who watched spellbound in the front row.

A lion even scaled a purpose-built structure outside to welcome children inside the Hive itself who were peering at the dance from an upstairs window.

The use of the concourse outside the Hive was something of an experiment as organisers had 'wanted to try something different'.

Introductions were made by H-J Colston-Inge, acting as a host, who told the crowds: "Thank your for coming and enjoy yourselves."

Mrs Colston-Inge, an executive member of the association, said China was a huge country and there was much to be learned from studying its people, language, culture and traditions. "We hope many of you will be inspired to learn about China" she said.

Chairman Frankie Tsang introduced the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Stephen Hodgson and his wife, Cllr Lucy Hodgson, herself a former Mayor.

The Mayor said the Lion Dance was 'always one of the highlights of the year in Worcester'.

Mr Tsang told the crowds that the tiger symbolised 'ambition, courage and strength'. "We all need that during Covid. We will weather through it to better times ahead" he said.

Speaking after the dance, he said: "Traditionally the Chinese Lion Dance is to welcome in the New Year and frighten the evil spirits away."

Attendance, he said, had surpassed expectations.

Mr Tsang, involved with the association for the last 20 years, also said the 'golden building' of The Hive provided an 'iconic' backdrop to the dance and, in China, gold was considered a symbol of wealth and success.

The dance itself was performed by members of the Kui De Tang Seven Stars Praying Mantis Kung Fu School based in Ombersley Road, Worcester.

James Rodriguez from the school said: "Traditionally the Chinese Lion Dance is performed to ward off evil spirits and get rid of any negative energy. And, the opposite side of that, is also to bring good luck and good fortune."

The dance was organised in partnership with the University of Worcester and Christopher Whitehead Language College. There were songs, dramatic displays and violin performances throughout the afternoon.

Chinese New Year marks the start of the Lunar Year and involves a number of unique traditions.

Library manager at the hive, Stephanie Jones, said: “The Hive is thrilled to host the Chinese New Year celebrations this year in association with the International Office for the University of Worcester and the Worcester Chinese Association."