NEWS RELEASE
10 February 2006

Dress in red for the Chinese New Year celebrations

Wellingtonians are being encouraged to wear the lucky colour red to help celebrate Chinese New Year tomorrow (Saturday 11 February).

Red symbolises luck, happiness and life in Chinese culture and anyone wearing red could win a spot prize with ZMFM Black Thunder crews giving out restaurant vouchers other prizes on Saturday.

The celebrations kick off at 11am with an Asian Market inside the Events Centre. The market, until 3pm, will bring the sights, sounds and foods of Asia to life.

The spectacular street parade, led by a huge dragon and firecrackers, will start from Courtenay Place at 2pm and head down Taranaki Street and along the waterfront to Frank Kitts Park.

From 3pm until 5.30pm people can enjoy entertainment performed by the city’s Chinese community at Frank Kitts Park that will include a dragon dance, lion dance, music and more.

The celebrations, organised by the Asian Events Trust with support from Wellington City Council and Wellington Waterfront, grow larger each year.

“This Chinese New Year festival day is one of the most important cultural celebrations in our calendar,” says City Council Event Co-ordinator Jessica Garland. “This year the market is much bigger due to popular demand. We’re expecting around 20,000 people to watch the parade and performances. Chinese New Year is a stunning event that Wellingtonians just love!”

The Chinese New Year festival is part of the City Council’s summer festival – Meridian Energy Summer City – which runs until Saturday 18 February. The festival programme is available from Council service centres, libraries, supermarkets, cafes, or by calling 499 4444 or at www.Wellington.govt.nz.

ENDS

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