Chinese Lunar New Year Stories and Activities, Wed 18 Feb
Join Play Mandarin for a fun session of storytelling and activities inspired by the Lunar New Year. For children aged 3+.
- Booking essential
This February Half Term, learn more about the Lunar New Year and get involved in some fun activities in our Exhibition Space.
Sessions at 10am, 11am and 12pm with a free dragon performance through the Stableyard at 1pm!
10am session – Nian the Monster A traditional Lunar New Year tale about Nian, a creature frightened by red, loud noises and bright lights. This story explains the use of red decorations and spring couplets on doors to bring good fortune and keep harm away.
11am session – The Great Zodiac Race The familiar story of twelve animals racing across a river to earn their place in the Chinese zodiac. Each animal represents a different quality, which later influenced the meanings behind auspicious New Year phrases.
12pm session – Sui the Monster and Red Envelopes A folk tale about Sui, a spirit said to disturb children on New Year’s Eve. Parents used red paper and coins to protect their children, explaining the origins of red envelopes and their role as symbols of protection and blessing.
Included craft – Spring Couplet Writing Each child creates a personalised spring couplet using characters such as “福” (luck), “春” (spring) or “平安” (peace).
Optional paid craft stall Additional activities available on the day, including lantern making, calligraphy bookmarks and other festive crafts.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Child | £10.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
suitable for ages 3+
- Meeting point
Exhibition Space in the Stableyard.
- What to bring and wear
The event will take place inside.
- Accessibility
Location fully accessible. Please see the access page on our website for our full access statement. Assistance dogs only
- Other
- Buggy area. - Kids menu available at the Potting Shed Cafe - Baby changing facilities in the Stableyard , Snuff Mill and Potting Shed Cafe. Booking only for children. The child must be accompanied by one adult only.
Upcoming events
Orchard Wassail Celebration with Black Swan Border Morris - Sat 24 Jan, 1.30pm-4pm SOLD OUT
Join us for a lively orchard celebration filled with music, song and blessing. Make your own wassail headdress, enjoy live fiddle and accordion, sip warm spiced cider and watch the Black Swan Border Morris dance at 3pm for the orchard’s good health.
Park Explorers for under 5s term time on Mondays
Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week.
Queer Botanical Drawing Workshop, Sat 7 Feb, 1-4pm
Explore nature and queerness through botanical drawing with artist Edward Luke Thrush for LGBTQ+ History Month. Suitable for all abilities.
Queer Ecology Talk & Guided Walk, Sun 8 Feb 11am-12.30pm
This LGBTQ+ History Month, join nature educator Abi to learn about queerness in nature and in the park’s flora with a lecture followed by a guided nature walk around the park.