13 ways to celebrate Chinese new year today
THE crow of the rooster is in full swing for this year's Chinese New Year Celebrations.
CQUniversity and Asian Inspirations have joined forces with the Bundaberg Regional Council to revamp Buss Park, the Moncreiff Entertainment Centre and Bourbong St for today's free six hour-long program of Chinese New Year festivities.
The celebrations will kick-off at 3pm and carry on until the moon hangs high at 9pm.
1Zodiac Animal Trail
When: 3-6pm
Get inspired from above with the Children's Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail at Buss Park and along the Bourbong St footpath.
Kids can collect stamps for their passport on this fun-filled, activity-based trail, where prizes are available for those that finish the 12 activities.
It's suitable for children under 12.
2Dragon dancing
When: 3.15-3.40pm
An Awaken the Dragon ceremony followed by Dragon and Lion Dancing by the PCYC Blazers. Follow the dragon from Buss Park into the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
3Concert
When: 3.50-4.45pm
The local CQUniversity Chinese Cultural Concert will be showing at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Compered by Guangxi University students, the show will have acrobatics and traditional performances from artists from Nanning, Bundaberg's Sister City, traditional performances from Guangxi University students, Taiko Drumming by Norville State School and traditional "jasmine fragrance” guzheng music and Juggling Grandma Anna Yen, after official opening speeches.
4Chinese tea
When: 4pm
Join the Burnett Mary Regional Group in the courtyard for Traditional Chinese Tea and find out what the art of drinking tea really means.
Held at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm in the Burnett Mary Regional Group courtyard. Entry is gold coin donation with bookings accepted on the day.
5Acrobatics
When: 5-5.45pm
If you missed the 3.50pm show the acrobatics and traditional performances from artists from Nanning are back for another show.
The artists from Nanning will be accompanied by traditional performances from Guangxi University students and Taiko Drumming by Bundaberg State High School. Entry is free.
6Martial arts
When: 5.30pm
Be treated to the Chinese athletic culture with an authentic Martial Arts, Kung Fu and Tai Chi display by I Liq Chuan in Buss Park.
7Self defence
When: 5.50pm
The art of self defence is on display with a taekwondo demonstration by ITF Taekwon Do Wide Bay in Buss Park.
8PCYC Blazers
When: 6-6.45pm
The Moncrieff will be filled with Lion and Dragon Dancing by Bundaberg's PCYC Blazers, the Nanning artists, acrobats and performers, Taiko Drumming by Bundaberg State High School and traditional performances from Guangxi University students.
9Concert
When: 7-7.45pm
Catch the final CQUniversity Chinese Cultural Concert for the night at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Entry is free.
10Tai Chi
When: 6.15pm
Witness the beauty of movement and defence in the Tai Chi Display by Australian Academy of Tai Chi in Buss Park, in order to gain an insight into various aspects of the Chinese culture.
11Lantern Parade
When: 8.30pm
Be dazzled by a spectacle of lanterns illuminating Bundaberg's main street with the Lantern Parade held by the Bundaberg community in Bourbong St and Buss Park before the celebrations start to wrap up.
12Fire twirling
When: 8.45pm
Prior to the array of fireworks, enjoy the glow of fire on the ground with the Fire Twirling by Visionary Fire.
13Fireworks
When: 8.55pm
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, a fireworks display by Above Ground Zero Fireworks will be held in the countdown to 9pm.
In addition to the extensive range of fun and culture-filled activities the whole family can enjoy, there will be Chinese and Asian-themed food vendors and market stalls, dancing and more to ensure this year's Chinese New Year celebrations are memorable.
For more information call the Strategic Events Team on 4130 4176.
