Celebrate Spring Festival in Exeter with fireworks, games, tea ceremonies and K Pop
Fireworks at a previous Spring Festival at the University of Exeter
People can mark the start of the lunar new year in Exeter with fireworks, games, food and K Pop performances.
The University of Exeter event also features calligraphy demonstrations, Tingkling dance performances and the chance to play Mahjong.
Annabelle Lee, a talented local Chinese flutist, will perform and there will be Chinese knotwork demonstrations.
Spring Festival 2025 will be held on Tuesday 4 February from 12 to 2pm in the Forum Building on the Streatham Campus. There will also be fireworks at 6:45pm outside the XFI Building.
At lunchtime there will be a vibrant street festival with a pop-up food stall.
Wednesday 29 January marks the first new moon on the lunar calendar and the start of the Spring Festival and the Year of the Snake in China. It is the year of the Wood Snake. The snake symbolizes longevity, wisdom, and mystery in Chinese culture. The combination of the snake and “wood” elements means 2025 will be a year of propensity and mystery.
The Spring Festival is the most celebrated and longest of all Asian festivals and is observed by millions of people around the world. Different countries in East Asia hold their own new year celebrations and the University of Exeter’s celebrations will reflect these varied traditions.
The event is organised with students from the Philippine Society, Singapore Society, Mahjong Society, Malaysian Society, Indonesian Society, Vietnamese Society, Thai Society, Chinese Society and there will be representation from the Chinese Community Wellbeing Service.
Akhelesh Pillai, President of the Malaysian Society, said: “Its that time of the year! We’ve got snacks ranging from the addictive kuih kapit to tarts and sweets, as well as a fun papercutting activity for you to decorate your rooms, the Malaysian way! Don’t miss out, see you there.”
Shannon Chai, President of the Indonesian Society, said: “Come and celebrate with the Indonesian Society! Join us for the festivities filled with delicious traditional treats like bakwan, piscok, and Indonesian jelly and sweets. Find out what your fortune is for the future and don’t miss the chance to win some Indomie!”
Man Lam, President of the Mahjong Society, said: “Mahjong is one of the best activities to play during the lunar new year. The sound of playing Mahjong is lively, which shows the festival’s atmosphere. I hope everyone enjoys playing Mahjong and the Lunar New Year festival.”
