Westminster celebrates Lunar New Year

Across multiple events students, colleagues and the wider public came together to honour the festival that is celebrated by over one-fifth of the world's population in nearly 20 countries. This year’s celebrations, as part of the University’s World in Westminster Cafe series, were a powerful reminder of how cultural traditions can create a space where students from all backgrounds can feel at home and where people can learn from and celebrate each other’s cultures.

The event was opened by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Bonfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand, Director of Transnational Education Stephen Wallis, Reader in Architecture Samir Pandya, and the University of Westminster Students’ Union President Divanshu Airan, who expressed that inclusion was not just a value the University upheld, it was who they were.

For many students, this was their first time spending Lunar New Year away from home. Boning Xiao, a second-year Digital Media and Journalism BA Honours student, said: "I am really glad that I had the opportunity to participate in such an activity, which made me experience Westminster's diverse and inclusive culture, as well as its care and support for international students. This year was my first Chinese New Year in the UK, and although I was unable to return home to be with my family, I felt a strong sense of the festival and gained a new understanding of its significance through the University’s organisation of these activities.”

During the festival Boning showcased her traditional dress, inviting participants to try it on, and performed poetry on stage, creating an immersive experience for all.

She added: “When I saw students excitedly trying to write the Chinese character that means good luck, learning how to wear Chinese dresses and admiring how elegant they were, I truly felt the charm of the culture. Chinese New Year does not only belong to the Chinese people but it is also a symbol of reunion, sharing and warmth. I was very happy that people enjoyed the clothes I brought, and it made me feel like I was doing something meaningful."

YuRong Yang, a Global Media Business MA student, said: "During the Lunar New Year celebration the calligraphy workshop provided a memorable experience, allowing everyone to truly embrace the festive and lively atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Through the graceful art of calligraphy, participants immersed themselves in the beauty of tradition, feeling the harmony and rhythm in each brushstroke.

“As they carefully traced each character, they not only appreciated the elegance of Chinese writing but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and philosophy behind it. In this joyful setting, calligraphy became more than just an art form - it was a bridge connecting people to the rich heritage of the festival, allowing them to celebrate and embrace the spirit of the New Year in a meaningful way. It was a powerful reminder of how art transcends language and brings people together, fostering mutual understanding across cultures, especially during such an important time of year."

These events would not have been possible without the teamwork and dedication of so many, including Westminster’s International Student Champions Maryam Salehi, Melissa Ramos Peimbert and Chi-Wang Edgar Lee, whose leadership and passion made the celebration possible for the second year running.

Chi-Wang Edgar Lee added: "I wanted to bring the Lunar New Year to students who celebrate this Spring Festival so they could feel at home, as this would have been a long holiday to be away from their family for some students. No matter which country they are from, these festivals remind us to be boundless and adaptive, just like the Year of the Snake, which symbolises resilience and transformation. In learning and living in the UK, students not only embrace new experiences but also share their own cultures with others, creating a truly global community.

“We are grateful for the support and collaboration of the Regent Street Cinema, the Careers and Employability Team, Student Circus, Counselling Services and the Student Union, each of whom played a vital role in making this an enriching and meaningful experience for all.”

Professor Dibyesh Anand, who leads the Quintin Hogg Trust-supported EDI programme called Westminster for All, said: “As a global university, we are super keen to make everyone from different cultures welcome and to be open to learning from each other. It is only through mutual respect and curiosity about different cultures that we can be responsible global citizens.”

This celebration directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. 

Find out more about upcoming Equality, Diversity and Inclusion events at the University of Westminster.