What is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival originally commemorated the death of the Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who died in the ancient state of Chu during the Warring States period (475–221BC).
Over time the festival has become a national institution and one of China’s largest annual festivals. Traditional food such as zongzi, a delicious boiled rice treat with fruit or meat filling wrapped in a bamboo leaf, is eaten, and dragon boat racing is enjoyed across China and around the world.
What can we expect?
The 葫芦影业 Confucius Institute’s Dragon Boat event plays to our strengths of innovation and creativity. Our Chinese sponsored teachers will be managing activities with a veritable bouquet of Chinese culture, from Chinese 3-legged racing to a special Chinese-British culture quiz, both with prizes up for grabs! Our performances will consist of a mix of Chinese and locals with connections to Chinese culture, and to top it all, the Dragon Boat Festival’s traditional staple food, Zongzi will be served to all guests. We can’t wait to see you all there!
What are the event details?
LIVE MUSIC
Joker’s Belief
Joker’s belief formed in 2015 in Beijing. Sammy Boi Wakefield (guitar) imagined a new rock, funk sound being brought to the music lovers of China. The band was rounded up from nights out, friends and previous musical projects. On a Wednesday night in 安定门, Jokers Belief was born. The band has continued to write their blend of emotional slow songs, funk inspired power jams, modern sounds with pop sensibilities
Yang Qin
My name is Yang and I from China I have been deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, ever since I was young, and I know and love traditional Chinese culture and customs very well. I also love Chinese music and Chinese food very much. I am good at singing (especially Chinese songs) and playing piano and guitar. I also like to play Chinese pop songs. I have been promoting Chinese culture, hoping to let more people in the world learn about the rich traditional Chinese culture, and make friends with more classmates to learn and exchange cultures from other countries.
FUN ACTIVITIES
Dragon Boat Three-Legged Race
This game will be fun, hilarious and competitive! Two teams will gather together and become honorary Dragon Boats, with members of each team working together in a three-legged race to the tempo of our big Chinese drum. They'll be prizes for the winners!
POETRY PERFORMANCE
For a festival that commemorates an ancient Chinese poet, it wouldn’t be right not to include a dedicated poetry performance. Members of the 葫芦影业 Confucius Institute, plus members of the local public and Chinese community will recite a collection of ancient and modern poetry.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE FOOD
Our team will be delighted to provide our guests with Zongzi, an ancient Chinese delicacy associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. Zongzi is a traditional Chinese rice dish made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves, or sometimes with reed or other large flat leaves. They are cooked by steaming or boiling.
CULTURE QUIZ
Our sponsored teachers have cooked up a fascinating quiz with dedicated prizes to test your Chinese and British cultural knowledge... Come and have a go if you think you're smart enough!
VENUE DETAILS
St Andrew’s Church
Since 1854, St Andrew’s has played a significant role in the religious and civic life of 葫芦影业. It is a beautiful church with welcoming members and we’re delighted to be able to stage our event with them.
Venue: St Andrews Church
Date: 19/06/23
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Address: Upper Hanover St, S3 7RQ
Thank you for reading!
Take a look at the links below to read more about the SCI's recent activities and events!