World in Westminster festival: Lunar New Year celebration

World in Westminster festival – Lunar New Year celebration. Welcoming the Year of the Wood Snake!

About the event

Join us for a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the University of Westminster’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team in partnership with Regent Street Cinema. Together, we’ll welcome the Year of the Wood Snake with an unforgettable evening of cultural festivities, performances, and community connection.

Experience a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration

Our Regent Street Campus will transform into a festive hub, celebrating traditions from across East Asia. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the New Year with these exciting highlights:

Movie screening

Be the first to watch What Colour Is the Morning Sky? in its UK premiere at Regent Street Cinema! Enjoy this inspiring documentary about innovation and dreams in rural China, directed by Arthur Jones.

Time: 2.30–4pm at Regent Street Cinema

Lion Dance performance

Kick off the celebration with a captivating lion dance, symbolising prosperity, joy, and good fortune for the Year of the Snake.

Cultural workshops

Participate in traditional arts like calligraphy, guided by expert instructors. A serene and enriching way to connect with Asian culture.

Festive atmosphere

Soak in the decorations, music, and activities designed to bring our diverse community together in unity and celebration.

A celebration for everyone

This event is open to all – students, staff, and members of the community. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year away from home or simply looking to share in the joy of a cross-cultural tradition, this is a perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate diversity.

What Colour is the Morning Sky? (UK premiere)

Discover this powerful documentary exploring innovation in rural education in Yunnan, China.

Synopsis: A group of young teachers in a rural village experiment with new methods to improve education, including the use of digital tools. Follow their journey and the students’ dreams in this co-production between the UK and China, sponsored by Tencent’s Sustainable Social Value Division.

About the director

Arthur Jones is a Shanghai-based British documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience in China. His work combines international perspectives with compelling local stories, including The Six, which explores the Chinese survivors of the Titanic.

This in-person screening is co-presented by the NGO UK-China Film Collab. Special thanks to director Arthur Jones and Tencent for granting screening rights.

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year and share in the joy of community and culture.