Residents in Darlington are invited to celebrate Chinese New Year and bring in the year of the Dog in style in the town centre.
On Saturday (17 February), the Stuart Agars Harmonies Lion Dance Crew will be bringing the celebrations to life by performing a traditional Lion Dance, with its gymnastic lion dance team and a full team of musicians.
There will be three performances, the first at 11.30am at Crown Street Library with two more at 12.30pm and 1.30pm at Joseph Pease Place.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Local Environment, said:
“We’re delighted that once again residents and visitors to Darlington can join in the celebrations and witness this colourful spectacle.
“I hope lots of people will come out to support the event and, of course, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Chinese New Year.”
Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 blocks (or houses) just like its western counterpart, but with the major difference being that each house has a time-length of one year instead of one month.
The Chinese New Year 2018 officially begins on 16 February ending on 2 March, and begins a year of the Dog, the eleventh of the zodiac animals.
A Dog’s most defining characteristic is loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work. Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help.
The year of one’s zodiac sign is traditionally the most unlucky year, so Dogs should keep a low profile – thinking before they speak and act is the key.