Celebrations to mark the advent of the Lunar New Year will light up Durham University's Oriental Museum later this month.
The museum, on Elvet Hill, shares in the rich cultural traditions of the Far East, most notably the Lunar New Year festival, celebrated not only in China, but across much of the Asian continent.
As this year marks the Year of the Dragon, special dragon-themed crafts, trails and storytelling has been arranged for visitors.
There will also be traditional dragon dancing and other lively performances.
Visitors will be able to sample traditional Lunar New Year snacks and enjoy captivating musical performances on traditional instruments by the university's talented Korean percussion group P'ungmul.
The Lantern Festival is the culmination of more than a fortnight of Lunar New Year festivities and also marks the launch of Durham Global Week.
It is a series of events and activities to highlight the university’s international impact, through its students, staff and global community.
Global Week will take place from February 24 until March 3, and offers a wide range of activities from lectures to performances, talks and film screenings for all to enjoy.
Charlotte Spink, a learning coordinator at the Oriental Museum, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to this event.
“Our wonderful students always bring so much creativity and enthusiasm and make the museum come to life.”
Yirun, an international student at Durham, who will be performing at the event, said: “I’m really excited about meeting visitors at the Lantern Festival.
“I’ll be performing a traditional Chinese song on my guqin, a stringed instrument I have been playing for around ten years.”
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The Lantern Festival takes place on Saturday February 24, from 6 to 8pm, with entry open to all ages.
Admission is £3 for adults and for children aged above two, but those under two can enter free of charge.
Festival tickets should be purchased in advance via Eventbrite.
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