Celebrations and Activities
From lion dancing and firecrackers to calligraphy and Chinese horoscope readings, there is so much to do and see on Lunar New Year.
Catch the vibrant and lively action of the Lion Dance Performance, Dragon Dance Performance and Eye Dotting Ceremony at the Ngurra Gunya Stage supported by Optus. Then, gather at the Parramatta Town Hall to capture the Firecracker display and be amazed as lion dancers balance on high poles 3-metres into the air!
There is so much to do and see on Lunar New Year!
Ngurra Gunya Stage
At Parramatta Town Hall, drop by the Ngurra Gunya stage sponsored by Optus for an exciting schedule of performances:
- Official Proceedings and Eye Dotting 4pm
- KCC K-pop Workshop 5:30pm - 6:30pm
- KCC Random Play Dance 6:30pm - 7:30pm
- Idol Performance by SMASH! (Sydney Manga and Anime Show) 7:35pm - 8:05pm
- DJ Sets by Maggie Tran
Town Hall Forecourt
- Firecrackers and Jing Yee Lion dance with high poles 4:20pm
- Hapkido 5:40pm - 6pm
- Tai Chi 6:15pm - 6:45pm, 7pm - 7:30pm & 7:45pm - 8:15pm
Art Installation and Decorations
Get ready to snap the giant and immersive artwork in Parramatta Square. "Laundry-Line" by local artist Chris Yee features 21 metres of hanging flags, ornamental lanterns and textiles celebrating Sydney’s diverse cultures. This vibrant piece will incorporate Yee’s hyper-pop snake graphic representing the Year of the Wood Snake in Parramatta. “The artwork installation is a continuation of my experimentation with traditional Chinese textiles, ornamentation and art - trying to find new ways to appropriate traditional graphics and visual symbolism to make it relevant to the modern day. Visually bridging the past, present and future.” Don't miss this stunning blend of tradition and modern art!
Laundry-Line by Chris Yee is powered by Porsche Centre Parramatta in celebration of the new Macan.
PHIVE Installations
PHIVE Installations
From 28 Jan – 2 Feb, immerse yourself in free interactive installations at PHIVE to guide you into the new year with warmth and abundance.
- Wishing Tree sponsored by Optus: simply write down your wishes on red wishing paper and then tie them to the Wishing Tree to manifest good luck and fortune for the new year.
- Altar Interactive Installation by VUTRU: draw or write your offering on the paper provided and stand in front of the altar with your offering and make a prayer. Then insert your offering into the offering box which will be then displayed on the communal pinboard alongside Vietnamese New Year blessings!
Roving in Parramatta Square and Centenary Square
Roving in Parramatta Square and Centenary Square
Celebrations continue all night long – get excited for roving lion dancers, cosplay characters, the God of Wealth and so much more:
- Jing Yee Lion Dance 5:15pm - 5:40pm & 5:50pm - 6:15pm
- Chinese Waist Drum 6:15 - 6:35pm
- SMASH! Cosplay 6:30pm - 6:45pm, 7pm - 7:15pm, 7:30pm - 7:45pm & 8:00pm - 8:15pm
- Stilt Walkers 6pm - 6:30pm, 7pm - 7:30pm, 8pm - 8:30pm
- Australian Maple Fashion Show 5:30pm - 5:45pm
- Magic Show 7pm - 7:30pm
- God of Wealth 4pm - 8pm
Workshops in PHIVE
Workshops in PHIVE
Head to PHIVE in Parramatta Square to wind down and enjoy a variety of free cultural workshops and activities. Workshops on Saturday 1 February are all drop in and booking is not required.
- Children's Storytime + Workshop with Author Myo Yim by Korean Cultural Centre Traditional 4:30pm - 5:30pm
- Chinese Calligraphy by Frank Xu 5pm - 8:30pm
- Comic + Zine Workshop by Annie Huang 5pm - 8:30pm
- Toy Piano Tales: The Great Race of the Lunar Animals supported by the University of New England 6:10pm - 6:50pm
Workshops in Parramatta Square outside PHIVE
Workshops on Saturday 1 February are all drop in and booking is not required.
- Mahjong Workshop Games by Parramatta Multicultural Community Association facilitated by Shuoyan Zhu 5:30pm - 8pm
- Chinese Horoscope Readings by Mina Zheng 5pm - 8:30pm
Community Stage
Catch a diverse range of cultural performances on the Community Stage at Centenary Square:
- Kids Folk & Ballet Dance by St George Academy of Performing Arts
- Qipong Dance Group by Australia International Elite Cultural & Arts Centre Inc.
- Mason Park Dance
- SOPMA Korean Traditional Fan Dance
- Maple Leaves - Fashion Show
- Drum Dance Sydney Chinese Waist Drum Art Troupe
- Parramatta Academy Cello Orchestra
- Beokku Korean Drum Dance
- Epping Senior Society Choir and Dance
- Traditional Live Music by SCM Chinese Music Ensemble
- Mongolian Dance Steed Horse
- Thai Siam Classic Dance
- Choomcrew K-pop Dance
