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Museum of London Docklands celebrates Chinese New Year this February half term with themed events and workshops

18 January 2018

Celebrate the Year of the Dog
Museum of London Docklands
Friday 16 February 2018
11am - 4pm
FREE

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of the Dog, the Museum of London Docklands is hosting a range of free cultural events during the February half term in tribute to East London’s long running historic links with the Chinese community.

Taking place all day Friday 16 February, the day of Chinese New Year, the activities will range from ribbon dancing classes and taekwondo taster sessions to calligraphy. The events will culminate with a spectacular dragon dance, in which museum visitors of all ages will be led by a professional dance troupe, as well as a host of other themed activities. Traditionally, lion dances were performed in ancient China to chase away the worries of the previous year, whilst welcoming happiness into the next one.

Highlights for the day include:

    Martial arts masters: Learn about Tai Chi and Kung Fu and try them out yourself.

    Ribbon dance workshop: Free traditional dancing drop-in sessions.

    Lion dancing: A professional dancing troupe will lead an authentic lion dance.

      Dance demos: Watch experts perform traditional Ribbon and Peacock dances.


    Britain has enjoyed a trade relationship with China for more than 400 years, opening up the migration between the two countries. By the late 1800s a Chinese community was well established around Limehouse Causeway, close to the docks.

    The fledgling Chinese community near Limehouse would eventually become known as London’s original Chinatown, although the decline of the shipping industry and the bombing of the capital’s docklands during World War II eventually led the community to relocate to Soho, where it remains to this day.

    Cassandra Tavares, Family Learning Programme Manager at the Museum of London Docklands, said:

    “We're excited to celebrate the history and heritage of Chinese culture with our Chinese New Year festival. Half term is the perfect opportunity to learn something new about a fascinating culture, which has passed its traditions on to the local community."

    -ENDS-

    Notes for editors
    For more press information please contact Aaron Stennett, Marketing and PR Officer at the Museum of London Docklands

    About The Museum of London Docklands
    The Museum of London Docklands is located at West India Quay in east London. Opened in 2003, this Grade I listed converted Georgian sugar warehouse specifically tells the story of the port, river and city – focusing on trade, migration and commerce in London.

    The museum is open daily 10am – 6pm and is FREE to all, and you can explore the Museum of London Docklands with collections online – home to 90,000 objects with more being added.

    www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands