Bristol Museum’s Lunar New Year 2025: A Spectacular Celebration of Culture and Community

On February 8 and 9, 2025, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery hosted its 25th annual Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming the Year of the Snake with a vibrant array of cultural festivities. The event drew thousands of attendees, including prominent city figures such as Lord Mayor Andrew Varney, City Council Leader Tony Dyer, High Sheriff Richard Pendlebury, and Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding.

The weekend’s program was rich with performances and activities that showcased the diverse cultural heritage of China and South Asia. Highlights included traditional lion dances by the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe, marking their 30th anniversary, and martial arts demonstrations by the Bristol Shaolin Wushu Academy. Attendees also enjoyed classical music performances on the Erhu and Guzheng by Ronni Ho and Iona Wang, as well as traditional dances by groups such as the South Gloucestershire Chinese Association and Clevedon School.

Family-friendly activities were abundant, featuring hands-on crafts, a snake trail adventure in honor of the Year of the Snake, and opportunities to interact with roving pandas for memorable selfies. The event commenced with an authentic Chinese tea ceremony performed by the Keemun Black Tea team from Anhui Province, China, offering attendees a taste of traditional Chinese culture.

The museum’s café embraced the festivities by offering a Chinese-themed menu, and the gift shop featured a selection of Chinese goods, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the celebration. This annual event not only honors the Lunar New Year but also serves to strengthen community ties and promote cultural understanding within Bristol.

As Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding remarked, “We’ve had the most amazing celebrations here at Bristol City Museum for the Chinese Lunar New Year… It was absolutely phenomenal.”