[Update on 29th January: There will be Lion Dance performances in Southampton this coming Sunday after all.]
Waterside Lion Dance sent me an email this evening to confirm that they will perform on the 2nd of February at 11.30am outside West Quay, for 25 minutes. Read the latest on News: Lion Dance This Sunday At 11.30am Outside West Quay.
Original post below:
Since the past week, the most-read post on this site is Chinese New Year: No Lion Dance In Southampton This Year.
Google and other search engines have sent many visitors to this post.
It shows that many people want to know about the annual Chinese New Year celebration in Southampton. Many people enjoyed the Chinese New Year parades in the past. They want to see Lion Dance again.
In my previous post, I told you there would be NO Lion Dance and Chinese New Year parade organised through the Chinese Association of Southampton in 2014.
In the past, the popular Lion Dance by Waterside Lion Dance and entertainment were organised by Chinese Association of Southampton (CAS).
However, there is still a chance that Waterside Lion Dance might perform in town independently.
I phoned Waterside Lion Dance this evening and I was asked “to phone again next week” to find out if they will be performing in Southampton city centre on Feb 2 (Sunday).
I will write again if I find out more information.
Waterside Lion Dance: Southampton Chinese New Year in 2009
I used to watch the Lion Dance parades in Southampton and I remember it was always bitterly cold. One year, I had to escape to the Marlands for hot chocolate as I was almost frozen.
One of the highlights of the celebration was watching the dotting of the lion’s eyes. It is called the Eye Dotting Ceremony. The spirit of the lion is awakened, ushering in blessing to human beings.
Eye dotting is truly magical.
Watching Lion Dance inside West Quay
In the past two years, the performances were inside the West Quay shopping centre, so the viewing was more comfortable for spectators. The drums would wake you up. The Lion Dance was lively, busy, exciting, fun, a bit crazy and chaotic.
It was also wonderful.
Perhaps West Quay could consider inviting the Lion Dance and the Chinese Association of Southampton back into West Quay again in the future?
We could all cope with a bit of crazy shopping once a year, couldn’t we?
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We are so disappointed that there is no Spring Festival Lion Dance this year for Chinese New Year. We were looking forward to going. London is big, and I believe the £10 rail fare discount is still in effect, but it will be so crowded. I wondered what the Portsmouth festival was like? Anyone know? Any other ideas?
Hi Alex and Mae,
The Chinese Association of Southampton has always been the organiser of the Chinese parade and Lion Dance etc in Southampton. CAS informed me that this year they need to focus on fund-raising for the Association to better support the community in the future. Their Chinese New Year evening meal this year will be a fund-raising event for the charity.
I learned from the Vice Chair Andy Lai that even with a free venue (such as West Quay), organising such an event, including Lion Dance and performers, always involves thousands of pounds.
However, as long as someone or a company is willing to foot the bill, or organise an event, I’m sure a parade could still happen, and all lions would be roaring in town.