Kidbrooke Village was alive with vibrant colours, rhythmic beats and delectable flavours on Saturday 17th February. Over 100 members of the community came together to celebrate Lunar New Year, (heralding the Year of the Dragon). This joyous occasion sponsored by Berkeley, showcased the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within the area, fostering bonds of togetherness and unity across all ages and nationalities.

The festivities kicked off with a mesmerising Lion Dance performance by the talented troupe from Poon Dojo in Pegler Square. A dynamic display of acrobatics, synchronised movements and drumming enthralled the audience, symbolising prosperity and warding off evil spirits for the year ahead.

Following a short walk through Cator Park, the Lion led the rapidly growing audience over to Artfix Cafe where it stopped at the door to bless the business before entering and showcasing its final moves. Attendees were then given the opportunity to take part in Chinese paper cutting workshops, courtesy of Kaopu Studio. Under Shuntao Li’s guidance, adults and children unleashed their artistic creativity, as they made decorative cut-outs for window and door displays symbolising good luck and aspirations for the new lunar cycle. No celebration is complete without food and King and Cissy’s chinese restaurant at Artfix delivered just that with their mouth-watering dim sum and a variety of steamed dumplings alongside vegetable, lamb and red bean spring rolls.