Everyone welcome to herald the Chinese New Year at York gala

Music, colour, dance and comedy will feature in the Chinese New Year Gala at York University on Monday, February 10.

Everyone is welcome at the event, organised by the York Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) and held at the university’s Central Hall.

Among the audience will be members of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China as well as York’s civic party.

The Chinese New Year Gala, welcoming in the Year of the Horse, will feature music played on traditional Chinese musical instruments, a calligraphy show and xiangsheng or “crosstalk”, a traditional form of comedy which is popular across China.

As the Chinese community’s biggest annual event in York, the gala provides an opportunity for students and the local community to discover more about this ancient country’s culture, as well as helping Chinese students to feel at home.

Bridging the gap

There are more than 1,500 Chinese students studying in York, with 1,250 of them attending the University of York.

“Celebrating the Lunar New Year offers a wonderful time for celebration when families in China come together for an entertainment show,” said Xinhua Zhang, a PhD student in the physics department and president of the CSSA.

“Through the CSSA, I am honoured to have the chance to bridge the gaps between the East and the West, and enhance understanding and communication among the young generations by providing unique and attractive programmes and activities, locally and internationally.”

The Chinese New Year marks the end of the Year of the Snake, and heralds the beginning of the Year of the Horse. People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, independent and impatient.

• The Chinese New Year Gala will be held at Central Hall, University of York, on Monday 10 February at 7.pm
• Tickets cost £5.50 for students and £8.50 for non-students and are available here