Released 09/02/2024
The City Renewal Authority will host a family-friendly street party to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Dickson’s Woolley Street tomorrow, Saturday 10 February 2024 from 11am to 11pm.
Lunar New Year is observed around the world and marks the first new moon of the Lunar calendar. The tradition serves as a time for gathering with family and friends to welcome the new, bid farewell the old and encourage a year of good fortune and prosperity.
The City Renewal Authority will close a larger section of Woolley Street and expand the event area after more than 7,000 people attended the Dickson Lunar New Year event in 2023.
Around 200 performers will take the stage over this year’s 12-hour entertainment program. Highlights from the program include a performance of ‘The Story of the Zodiac’ - which has been specifically curated for the event and features over 100 participants – as well as routines from Canberra Prosperous Mountain Dragon and Lion Dance, traditional performances by the Federation of Chinese Association, K-Pop dancers, and roving Kung Fu demonstrations. Kids and families can also enjoy dance, balloon, and calligraphy workshops throughout the day.
A stunning, three-metre-tall wooden dragon sculpture designed by Canberra’s KOITOYA studio has also been unveiled in the refurbished central plaza of Woolley Street to commemorate and welcome the Year of the Dragon.
The Dickson Lunar New Year celebrations feature entertainment, food stalls, and activities, the full entertainment program and more information about the event is available on the City Renewal Authority website: cityrenewal.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
“Canberra will welcome the Year of the Dragon with a celebration of music, dance, culture, and community. I encourage Canberrans, visitors and their families to join the festivities of Lunar New Year in Dickson.
“As a free and low-cost activity, the event encourages people to shop, eat, get out and about, and enjoy themselves. Attendees of the Dickson Lunar New Year celebration can immerse themselves in Asian cultures and discover a new experience.
“The upgrades completed on Woolley Street by the City Renewal Authority have helped develop Dickson as a dining destination and cultural centre. There are further improvements on the way with business and community consultation to begin soon for upgrades at the Dickson shops.”
“Dickson will come to life with music, dance, and colour this Saturday. There will be something for everyone with a program of entertainment and activities that exhibits the rich multiculturalism of Dickson and the Canberra community.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases