On Sunday 10-3-2002 I had a walk to The Grange to watch the Chinese New Year Celebrations which were taking place in a Marquee just across from the Grange. I looked around the exhibition stalls, and was given a Chinese Calendar. Then I seated myself in the Marquee. Before the official start of the show we were treated to a firecracker (balloon) competition between Tony Lloyd (MP) and Wang Yao Xiang, good fun!

The masters’ of ceremonies Samantha Tran and David Chow started the proceedings and introduced the first act they were Master Chu and Students who perfomed Lion Dance and Dragon Dance, which started at the back of the Marquee and finished on the stage, brilliant! After which Roger Bysouth from New Deal for Communities started off the speeches by welcoming all the artists’ and guests.

Next was Wang Yao Xiang a representative from the General Council of the peoples Republic of China and last but not least Guest speaker Tony Lloyd MP. Then back to the show, Simon Li performed The God of Wealth’s Blessing next was a Tai-Chi demonstration performed by Wai Yia Chinese Womens Society. The St. Brigid’s Rap group performed some original rap songs. Then there was the Peacocks Dance performed by Jih Wen. We were then entertained with Chinese music (Ku Zheng) performed by Peng Tong who played High Mountain and Flowing Water, Jih Wen returned to perform the Ribbon dance.

The final act was Peng Tong returning to play Reflections on West River. John Bouttell from Beswick and Bradford Community Project gave the closing speech. I would like to say a big thank you to Kin Cheng and the Wai Yia Chinese Women’s Society also the Chinese and Vietnamese Community for the great food, thanks also to the organisers of this enjoyable event.
Malcolm Rigby.