Hop into the Year of the Rabbit 2023 with the Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival today announced a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Rabbit.
Article Source: Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival
Last Updated: 16 January 2023 15:26
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival today announced a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Rabbit. The programme, which includes the Official Chinese New Year Concert, a performance of Mulan, a bilingual Ceilidh and a fabulous light show at Edinburgh Castle, also offers online calligraphy, music and Tai Chi workshops and runs from Friday 20 January to Friday 3 February 2023.
According to Chinese Astrology, the Rabbit symbolises patience, luck and longevity. It is believed that the Year of the Rabbit, which officially begins on 22 January, will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and success.
Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival, generously supported by Heriot-Watt University and City of Edinburgh Council and co-ordinated by Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) as part of its China Ready initiative, has become the largest celebration of its kind in Scotland since its inception in 2019.
Rob Lang, Chair of the ETAG China Ready Initiative, said: “We’re delighted to be working with businesses across the city to welcome The Year of the Rabbit by creating a unique and inspiring celebration of Scottish and Chinese culture. Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival creates an excellent opportunity to re-affirm Scotland’s capital city as an inspiring and welcoming destination for overseas visitors, as well as enabling the people of the city to learn more about Chinese culture.”
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will be joined by a host of special guests to perform a ground-breaking programme of Scottish and Chinese music and song in The Official Chinese New Year Concert at the Usher Hall on 21 January. The Concert will be preceded by Lion and Dragon Dances outside the venue. On 22 and 23 January, Edinburgh Castle will host The Chinese New Year Light Show, organised by the Asian Association of Culture Commerce and Education in Europe and supported by City of Edinburgh Council, which can be viewed, for free, from the Castle Esplanade. Audiences will enjoy a wonderful collection of Chinese performances projected onto the city’s most iconic monument.
On Sunday 22 January, a Chinese New Year cultural and artistic display will take place on the Mound outside the Scottish National Gallery. The Mound Chinese New Year Celebration, organised by Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association, presents Lion Dances, Chinese New Year folk dances, Han costume show, Chinese calligraphy and with lots of audience participation this is a free, fun way to get involved in the celebrations.
Other events in the programme include Lion Dancers at St James Quarter (who are celebrating Chinese New Year for the first time), a Bilingual Ceilidh at St Cecilia’s Hall with live music and a dance caller, Lunar New Year Tarot Card Reading at Harvey Nichols with Kalem, Scotland’s leading palmist, a Year of the Rabbit Chinese Art Experience in the Strathberry Boutique in Multrees Walk where customers can enjoy Chinese Calligraphy and paper-cutting artists and Tai Chi, Qigong and Mahjong sessions at the Eric Liddell Centre. Online events include two Chinese Music Workshops, one featuring the Chinese Zither and the second the Erhu and Pipa. Participants can enjoy the music and learn about the importance of these instruments in Chinese Culture. There are also online Chinese New Year taster sessions and Calligraphy workshops.
The final event in the 2023 programme is The Ballad of Mulan which will be performed at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh on 3 February. The performance tells the story of Hua Mulan who replaced her aging father to serve her country, disguising herself as a man, fighting bravely in the army and eventually being reunited with her family.
Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival brings together communities across Edinburgh to celebrate Chinese Culture and offers Chinese residents and students a range of activities to help them celebrate.
Prof. Ian Baxter, from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot Watt University, said: “Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival has become a key moment in the cultural calendar of the city. We are once again delighted to support the Festival, industry partners and cultural venues as we celebrate this important time of the year. What a wonderful opportunity for us all to experience and learn about Chinese culture, and to welcome Chinese visitors back to our city in the spirit of goodwill and friendship.”
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “Each year our celebrations for Chinese New Year in the Capital continue to grow, providing us with an opportunity to enhance Scottish people’s understanding of Chinese culture, so I’m delighted to see another rich programme of events and activities. There really is something for everyone in the programme and alongside the colourful events such as the Official Chinese New Year Concert, performance of Mulan and a wonderful light show at Edinburgh Castle there is also a chance to learn new skills in the online calligraphy, music and Tai Chi workshops.
“Our city has long and proud links with China going back over a century. And as we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, which symbolises patience, luck and longevity peace and success we can look forward to another wonderful celebration and year ahead.”
Mme Hou Danna, Chinese Acting Consul General in Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival has been a great success and hugely popular since 2019, celebrating both unique Chinese culture and the city’s cultural diversity. I congratulate ETAG and partners on the fantastic programme of the Year of the Rabbit and thank their efforts to put it together. This year’s Festival would be seen as a prelude to fully resume two-way visits and exchanges between China and Scotland, as China had lifted cross-border travel restrictions relating to Covid-19 pandemic effective 8 January. I look forward to supporting our cultural and people-to-people links to go from strength to strength.”
Details of all events and activities across Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival can be found at www.chinesenewyear.scot.
Chinese New Year falls on Sunday 22 January and Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival runs from Friday 20 January to Friday 3 February 2023.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
The Scottish Colourists Book Launch
The Scottish Gallery Press is delighted to launch a new, 80 page hardback book, offering a fresh history of The Scottish Colourists.
READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland Launches 2025 Programme
The National Theatre of Scotland is proudly offering a vivid and far-reaching programme featuring stellar Scottish talent, extraordinary stories, and surprising community interventions.
READ MORE
World premiere play with Brian Cox to open 2025 Edinburgh International Festival
Opening the International Festival this year will be the world premiere of a new play, Make It Happen, by James Graham, starring Succession's Brian Cox.
READ MORE
Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!
Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 25th and 26th January
Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.
READ MORE
Guest Chef series at Lyla Edinburgh
Acclaimed chef Stuart Ralston brings his guest chef series, Shore to Shore, into the new year with Johnnie Crowe and Joshua Overington, Myse* joining him in the kitchen at Edinburgh’s Lyla.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival prepares for next edition in August
The 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will run from 14th to 20th August 2025 and submissions for the Festival are now open.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night with Unique Scottish Inspired Drinks at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s creative drinks team are serving up cocktails inspired by famous Scottish ingredients, including haggis and cranachan this January.
READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland
Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MORE
Dunbar Primary School receives surprise visit from Joe Wicks
Dunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.
READ MORE
Dobbies free February workshops
Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MORE
Blank Street opens first store in Scotland this weekend
Cult brand Blank Street has confirmed it will open its first store in Edinburgh, located on the iconic Victoria Street, on 25th January.
READ MORE
Back in the Saddle as New Course Helps Seniors Rediscover Cycling Joy
Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults.
READ MORE
Casting announced for Scottish premiere of Tina at Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse are delighted to announce the full cast for the Scottish premiere of hit production Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
READ MORE
Scots brewery launches 20p deposit scheme on nostalgic Iron Brew beers
Edinburgh brewery, Vault City is offering a 20p return scheme to accompany a line of beers celebrating a beloved Scottish drink.
READ MORE
Parents urged to improve mental health with wild water mindful dips
Scottish Building Society Foundation and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.
READ MORE
January at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From a Wedding Open Day to Burns Night, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this January!
READ MORE
The Clown and The Wolfman Ride into Leith Theatre
Leith Theatre is proud to reveal it will be the Edinburgh home of Restless Natives: The Musical.
READ MORE
Merlin Entertainments announces Edinburgh Dungeon Resident Sale
Merlin Entertainments is kicking off the new year with an exciting announcement: the Dungeon Resident Sale has arrived, offering a spooktacular 50% discount for residents at their nearest Dungeon!
READ MORE
There is plenty for fans of South Asian film to enjoy this month at Vue Edinburgh Ocean
As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.
READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MORE
Burns Feast and Free Ceilidh at Bonnie & Wild
Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild honours Scotland’s National Bard with a ‘Burns Feast’ and free ceilidh!
READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORE
Diving Into History as Glenogle Swim Centre Hosts Great Lengths Exhibition
The ‘Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths’ exhibition comes to historic Glenogle Baths, a stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Roxy Rose Street launches Ballers Bottomless Brunch
Roxy Lanes Rose Street launches The Ballers Bottomless Brunch featuring 90 minutes of competitive fun with a game of your choice, bottomless drinks, and American-style sharers.
READ MORE
Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026
The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move to the Portrait gallery for 2026!
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
Beat the January Blues with Family Tickets Offer at Volcano Falls in Edinburgh
Volcano Falls is inviting families to get rid of the winter gloom with a special online-only offer – 20% off family tickets Sunday 19th January 2025!
READ MORE
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh
Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links