City Celebrates Chinese New Year Under the Stars

In partnership with the Culture Club, the free Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday, 10 February, will feature a tai chi workshop, traditional lion dance, the Culture Club Chinese Choir and traditional singing and dancing from various groups within the Chinese Community.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the family event re-affirmed the City of Melville’s commitment to celebrate and take pride in its cultural diversity. “The City of Melville has the second highest Chinese population of any municipality in Western Australia as well as the highest number of residents with Chinese ancestry,” he said. “The New Years concert, which has been held since 2004, helps us to promote a better understanding of different cultures.”

This year’s concert will be held under the stars at the Limestone Amphitheatre for the first time. The celebrations, which in previous years were held at Winthrop Baptist Collage in Murdoch, are also part of the City of Melville Limestone Summer Concert Series which has featured international acts such as Heads We’re Dancing and crowd favourite Pascale.

The 2008 Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat – begins on Thursday, 7 February, coinciding with the first new moon of the Year. The celebrations last for 15 days ending on the full moon.

The Chinese New Year celebrations will run from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at the City of Melville Limestone Amphitheatre located between Garden City Shopping Centre, the Melville Civic Centre and the Civic Square Library. Parking is available off Davy Street, in the Civic Square Library car park.

For more information contact Cultural Development Officer – Multicultural, Marcia Coelho on 9364 0660 or visit www.melvillecity.com.au.