The May Fayre was jointly organised by Sheffield City Council and the University of Sheffield and attracted up to 10,000 visitors, who came through to enjoy stalls, exhibitions and performances from groups and organisations across Sheffield society.
The Sheffield Confucius Institute was in the thick of it! After setting up next to the museum in Weston Park, we set about attracting visitors to our busy stalls, manned by our dedicated sponsored teachers. We had a calligraphy stall, a Chinese paper cutting stall, a Chinese costume wearing station and a shop selling excellent Chinese cultural items and trinkets.
The Chinese drum was a smash with the kids, who were playing it all day non-stop - every hour or so, our brave team members would pick up the SCI dragon and parade it around the park - these activities were hugely popular with the kids, and the parents too!
This event was a great way to exhibit the fun, friendly and inclusive ethos of the Sheffield Confucius Institute, and to talk to the public about the nature of our learning platforms and cultural activities. During the day, we gave out small booklets to members of the public which allowed them to stamp the SCI activities they attended in order to get a shot at our lucky draw to potentially win prizes!
Chinese Calligraphy
This was a massively popular stall. Locals are entranced by the nature of Chinese calligraphy, by its grace, beauty and attachment to the image and soul of China. Our teachers were busy all day managing this stall with event goers transfixed by the art.
Chinese Paper Folding
Like our calligraphy stall, this activity draws adults and children alike into the therapeutic world of Chinese paper folding. Some stall goers were there cutting paper for over half an hour!
Chinese Costume Wearing
Men, women, boys and girls alike loved trying on our Chinese qipaos and other outfits before taking photos. Nothing gets you more in the spirit than wearing a period costume!
Chinese shopping stall
Everything from bracelets to purses, pouches, pandas and keyrings were on display for our stall goers, who were complimentary about the taste and variety of what was on offer.
Chinese Dragon Dancing
Our charismatic dragon took a few flights around Weston Park - an absolute delight for children and their parents, all in rhythm to the beat of the big Chinese drum.
All in all our day at the May Fayre was a great success. We want to thank Sheffield City Council for allowing us to have a space, the University of Sheffield for all its support in all our activity and for the general public who enjoyed our stalls on the day. We’re looking forward to the next!
Thank you for reading!
Take a look at the links below to read more about the SCI's recent activities and events!