Warwick set to ring in the Lunar New Year with range of events

Today, on Tuesday 28 January, Warwick Campus will come alive with Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring traditional games, crafts, and authentic snacks tasting. 

The programme kicks off at 1 pm in the Fusion Sports Bar with a live screening of the New Year’s Gala from China. The event will showcase traditional music, dance, comedy, and drama performances, ending with the anticipated New Years countdown.

The day continues with activities and events spread across campus. Students can visit the SU to take part in workshops such as origami hanboks and blossoms, kite-making, lucky knots, and more. Many of these activities are free and open to all, and attendees are encouraged to join in the fun without needing to book.

However, some workshops, such as the Calligraphy sessions in the Copper Rooms, are in high demand. Students are advised to book in advance for the 1–3pm session to learn the art of beautiful writing. For those unable to secure a booking, a 3–4pm drop-in session will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

“As an international student, it’s not always easy to go home for the holiday. The Lunar New Year celebration at Warwick is the perfect way to enjoy the festivities with friends who are also far from home.”

Chloe, second-year Chinese-Vietnamese student

At the Chaplaincy Lawn, students can participate in the traditional Wishing Tree activity, popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. They will be invited to write wishes on pieces of paper, attach them to tangerines, and toss them into the tree. It is believed that if the tangerine hangs, the wish will come true. In the spirit of good fortune, the Atrium will also host a station giving out lucky red envelopes, or bokjumeoni (silk purses), filled with gold chocolate coins.

The grand finale of the celebrations will be the Lion Dance performance, a traditional act to ward off bad luck. Students are encouraged to wrap up warm for the outdoor spectacle and gather on Piazza at 6pm.

As Warwick prepares for the day full of festivities, students from across the globe are excited to celebrate together. Chloe, a second-year Chinese-Vietnamese student, said: “As an international student, it’s not always easy to go home for the holiday. The Lunar New Year celebration at Warwick is the perfect way to enjoy the festivities with friends who are also far from home.”

Ashely, a second-year student from Beijing, expressed her appreciation for Warwick’s inclusivity: “Warwick’s campus fosters a truly inclusive community, where everyone can come together to cherish this wonderful time of year.”