The Year of the Snake is coming…
The Year of the Snake is the next Chinese Lunar Year which starts from 29 January 2025, and the traits of the Snake are wisdom, intelligence, and a strong sense of intuition. We believe there can be no better traits to represent our unified spirit and drive for success in the year of 2025. The Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield is delighted to act as co-organisers for this event with our esteemed partners to bring Chinese culture to life in Sheffield this year.
What to expect...
Join us on 10th February 2025 for an evening of amazing musicians, acrobats, artists and performers.
As one of the largest multi-cultural events in Sheffield, this event has always been strongly supported by the city, Sheffield council, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Consulate. Every year the gala is attended by senior representatives from across the region, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate who give speeches. This year we are extremely proud to be working with Sheffield Children’s Hospital as our nominated charity - meaning your donations will help change lives.
This event is about culture sharing, bringing communities together; about bringing people together; and at the same time, we’re able to raise money for a good cause.
Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival 2025
Jerry Cheung, Event Founder
Here's a little taster...
Wanlin Academy of Dance & Performing Art
Wanlin is a Sheffield-based professional Chinese dancer, performer, and choreographer. A graduate of the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy, she earned the Best Performance Award at China’s top competition, the Taoli Cup. Wanlin has performed and choreographed widely across China, including for the King of Thailand’s birthday and on Chinese national TV. She has also collaborated with renowned choreographers, such as Kim Gavin, director of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremonies.
This year, the Wanlin Dance Academy will present three works:
-
Contemporary dance: Red Dust is a Dream
This piece reflects the vibrancy of 1990s Shanghai nightlife, revealing the bittersweet essence of life through evocative movements and expressions. -
Dunhuang classical dance: Kabuki Flying Sky
Inspired by Dunhuang murals and Indian mythology, this dance integrates ancient Chinese and Buddhist influences. Through graceful movements, it embodies spiritual freedom, love, and beauty, blending the tangible and ethereal. - Classical dance: The Wind Comes Softly
Drawing inspiration from the Qing Dynasty production, “Folding Fans of Seated Ladies,” this dance highlights feminine elegance and cultural symbolism. The dancers’ use of fans symbolizes harmony and unity, evoking the grace and spirit of traditional Chinese culture.
Instrumental Performances: Liuyang River & Dance of the Yao People
At the Sheffield Chinese New Year Gala on 10th February 2025, we are delighted to present a unique performance of two iconic Chinese pieces: Liuyang River and Dance of the Yao People. Performed by British ensembles, these works highlight how Western musicians can bring fresh perspectives to traditional Chinese music.
-
Liuyang River
This song is a cherished folk song from Hunan, its graceful melody evoking deep homesickness and nostalgia. In this production, local British musicians will reinterpret this classic, using their unique voices to capture its emotional essence, offering a universal connection to the theme of longing for home. - Dance of the Yao People
This song reflects the joyful spirit of China’s Yao ethnic group, filled with vibrant rhythms and celebratory energy. The British ensemble’s interpretation will bring this lively piece to life, blending Eastern and Western traditions to showcase the warmth of Yao culture.
This cross-cultural collaboration highlights music’s power as a universal language, celebrating shared humanity through sound. As we welcome the Chinese New Year, join us for this fusion of tradition and innovation—a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange.
Instrumental Performances: The Grandeur of Chinese Heritage Music & The Dance of the Golden Snake
This section features two renowned works showcasing the elegance of traditional Chinese music: The Grandeur of Chinese Music and The Dance of the Golden Snake. Performed on the pipa, guzheng, and bamboo flute, these timeless pieces capture the essence of ancient Chinese music.
The performances connect tradition with the present, showcasing the elegance of a golden era and the energy of a spirited dance. They highlight the richness of Chinese culture, brought to life through traditional instruments and the profound heritage they represent
Zhijie Zhang and Yaning Liu: Masters of Sichuan Opera Face-Changing
Zhijie Zhang, a member of the Sichuan Dramatists and Hebei Youth Artists Associations, was named a National Excellent Screenwriter in the 2021 Opera Yearbook. With a decade of dedication to Sichuan Opera face-changing, he combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of its cultural significance, vividly conveying characters' emotions through this traditional art.
His apprentice, Yaning Liu, has studied for three years and is a member of the Sino-British Opera Association. An inheritor of the Ge Family Facial Makeup tradition, an intangible cultural heritage, Liu excels in puppet face-changing, fire-spitting, and face-returning techniques.
Together, they perform on stages worldwide, preserving and promoting the cultural treasure of Sichuan Opera face-changing for future generations.
An exhibition of Chinese culture in photographs by Yu Wang
Before and during the evening's performances, there will be an exhibition of captivating photos showcasing Chinese culture from Sheffield-based photographer Yu Wang.
Exhibition contents:
- A curated selection of images celebrating Chinese culture and heritage, taken in Sheffield and beyond.
- A visual journey through key Chinese traditions, festivals, and everyday moments in the local community.
- Highlighted themes include family, identity, and the fusion of Chinese and British cultures.
Thank you for reading!
Take a look at the links below to read more about the SCI's recent activities and events!