Orpington Chinese Language School ushered in the Year of the Horse with two spectacular Lunar New Year events, bringing the magic of Chinese traditions to life for families across London. A joyful new year fair for its five satellite branches on 31 January was followed by a grand celebration at the main branch on 7 February, complete with lion and dragon dances. Together, the two events attracted nearly 1,000 students, parents, teachers, and guests from both British and Chinese communities, filling the air with the warmth and excitement of the festive season.
On 31 January, close to 500 students, parents, and teachers from the Kingston, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Epsom, and Richmond branches gathered for a vibrant “Year of the Horse Spring Festival Garden Party.”
The celebration was honoured by the presence of The Worshipful the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Martin Whelton, and The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, accompanied by the Mayoress. Both mayors extended their New Year wishes to the children and highlighted how Chinese New Year has become an integral part of Britain’s cultural calendar. They praised the Chinese community and Chinese schools for their valuable contribution to the UK’s multicultural landscape. A letter of congratulations from the Chinese Embassy in the UK also acknowledged Orpington Chinese School’s continued dedication to preserving and promoting Chinese heritage abroad. Head Principal Chen Zhizhi was joined by professionals from various sectors in supporting the event.
The day began with a spectacular stage performance by students from all five branches, followed by captivating displays from specially invited artists, including a traditional Sichuan Opera “face-changing” performer and virtuosos of Chinese classical music. The Spring Festival Fair that followed offered a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Families explored over 20 booths featuring traditional crafts and folk games, from paper cutting and calligraphy to New Year picture rubbing, lantern making, pitch-pot, and ring toss. Hands-on activities such as sugar painting and lacquer fan making proved especially popular with children and adults alike.
The mayors enthusiastically joined in, trying their hand at writing the character “Fu” (福) and crafting lanterns alongside young learners. The food area, offering milk tea, tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers), and an array of regional snacks, added to the festive atmosphere. Throughout the day, families posed for photos in front of a specially designed New Year backdrop, capturing precious moments to cherish for years to come.
The festivities continued on 7 February at the main Orpington branch, where the 13th Annual Spring Festival Gala and New Year Fair began with the stirring beat of traditional drums.
A lively lion and dragon dance kicked off the event, filling the hall with energy and good fortune. This was followed by a heartwarming performance titled “The Twelve Zodiac Animals Pay New Year Calls,” in which students of all ages took to the stage to offer blessings in both English and Mandarin. The teaching staff then performed an elegant classical fan dance, their graceful movements evoking the beauty of traditional Chinese aesthetics. A guzheng and pipa duet transported the audience with its delicate melodies, showcasing the depth and elegance of China’s musical heritage.
The event was attended by Gareth Bacon MP, along with The Worshipful the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Angela Page, and her Consort, former Mayor Kim Botting. The guests immersed themselves in the celebrations, trying their hand at pitch-pot, writing Spring Festival couplets, making traditional New Year prints, and observing the art of sugar painting. A lucky draw with 66 festive prizes added to the excitement, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
In their closing remarks, Head Principal Chen Zhizhi and Co-Principal You Jing (Kingston and Wimbledon branches) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many partners, sponsors, teachers, and volunteers whose dedication made the events possible. They reflected on the deeper meaning of the celebrations: from the mayors learning to say “Xin Nian Kuai Le” in Mandarin, to the innocent yet determined strokes of “Fu” written by young hands—the seeds of Chinese culture are being gently sown.
As we gallop into the Year of the Horse, Orpington Chinese Language School looks forward to continuing this journey with our community. Cultural heritage is not only for grand celebrations, but for passing down, year after year, with warmth and pride.
