Our Delivery Report
Funded on 12 October 2023 | Delivered on 04 February 2024
£11,935
RAISED
25
BACKERS
91
DAYS TO FUND
BIGGEST PLEDGE
£4,256
From Lancashire County Council
27/01/24 - 27/01/24
Lancaster Chinese cultural variety show
04/02/24 - 04/02/24
Lancaster Chinese New Year outdoor carnival 2024
1 Exhibition Created
100% of backers think the project helps their business
100% of backers think the project makes the area more fun
15 Gigs created
100% of backers think the project makes the area more family friendly
09 January 2024
Colourful lions and dragons parade will kickstart Chinese New Year Festival in Lancaster
Lancaster GuardianLancaster is the only place in Lancashire where the Chinese New Year is marked so publicly and by mid-January, up to 600 Chinese lanterns will adorn New Street, Penny Street and Market Street as a taster for the festival.\n\nEntertainment begins on January 27 when the Grand Theatre once again hosts a cultural variety show highlighting China's rich artistic heritage and featuring nationally known performers who will bring Chinese traditions to life through music, dance and theatre.
100% of backers think the project makes the area more attractive
03 January 2024
Chinese New Year celebrations returning to Lancaster
Beyond RadioThere will be a range of performances showcasing traditional and contemporary Chinese arts, workshops for all ages. an array of food stalls offering delicious treats and unique crafts, gifts, and more.\n\nThe official opening ceremony takes place at noon on the plinth in Market Square followed by the lion and dragon parade around the city centre.\n\nAmong the new free attractions in St Nicholas Arcades will be a role play workshop where festivalgoers can hold and move the colourful giant heads of th
100% of backers think the project helps the local economy
30 Artworks created
100% of backers think the project brings people together
20 March 2024
Lancaster Chinese New Year
Visit Lancaster600 Chinese lanterns will adorn the city.\n\nGrand Theatre hosts a cultural variety show highlighting China's rich artistic heritage and featuring nationally known performers who will bring Chinese traditions to life through music, dance and theatre. Kunshan Opera, which has a history dating back more than 600 years, will be performed for the first time at the show by Xiaohe Sun who has practised this melodious art form in China and overseas.
100% of backers think the project provides more things to do
2 Festivals created
More about our impact
The environment
Our festival conscientiously minimized its environmental footprint by strategically utilizing the city's existing infrastructure. By powering our outdoor stages with mains electricity, we eliminated the need for environmentally harmful generators, thereby reducing our carbon emissions. Furthermore, we made a deliberate choice to host our event in locations that naturally supported our eco-friendly goals. In our commitment to support local economies and reduce transportation emissions, all stalls at the festival were operated by local business owners from Lancaster and the wider Lancashire area. This approach not only promoted sustainability but also underscored our dedication to fostering a community that values environmental stewardship.
The local economy
Our project bolstered the local economy, as evidenced by Lancaster BID's footfall counters, which recorded a remarkable increase of approximately 20,000 visitors to the city center during the two festival days, compared to average weekends in 2023. This surge in foot traffic undeniably benefited local businesses. Additionally, our commitment to community engagement was highlighted through collaborations with local artists and performers, enriching the festival's cultural offerings. Furthermore, all festival stalls were owned and operated by residents of Lancaster and the surrounding Lancashire towns, ensuring that the economic benefits of the festival directly supported the local economy and fostered regional prosperity.
Volunteering, jobs & education
Our project played a pivotal role in fostering employment, volunteering, and educational opportunities within the community. Specifically, it created employment for 30 freelance artists and performers, while also engaging 20 volunteers, including university students. This initiative marked a significant milestone as it was the first festival in Lancaster to involve a student committee in organizing an event of such magnitude in the city center. This collaborative effort not only provided practical work experience but also enhanced organizational and leadership skills among students, thereby contributing to their educational growth and professional development.
Arts, culture & heritage
The festival made significant contributions to arts, culture, and heritage through a variety of events. At the Lancaster Grand Theater, a cultural variety show featuring 12 acts of traditional and modern Chinese music, dance, singing, and opera drew an audience filling over 90% of the venue. Nationally recognized and local artists performed, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of China. Additionally, the outdoor festival included a Lion and Dragon parade with performances involving local residents, children, and international university students, fostering community integration and cultural exchange in Lancaster. This event served as a vibrant cultural bridge, enriching the local heritage.
Activity, health and leisure
Our project actively promoted health, leisure, and community engagement by offering a range of free entertainment and cultural learning experiences over two weekends, attracting attendees interested in Asian cultures, food, arts, and music. Highlights included culture-specific workshops and the decoration of the city center with 600 lanterns, which not only beautified the area but also created a homely atmosphere for Asian residents and students in Lancaster. These activities provided valuable opportunities for physical engagement, social interaction, and cultural appreciation, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community.
