The University of Birmingham is firing up for the Year of the Dragon with a host of events, activities and celebrations. In 2024, the festival falls on Saturday 10 February, so check our guide to find out what's happening across campus and beyond.
Shakespeare in China
'To endure or not to endure..?' Not sounding quite right? The verb 'to be' does not exist in Chinese; instead Mandarin Hamlets have to choose whether ‘to act’ or 'to endure.' The words we use matter, in literature and in life alike. Shakespeare’s works have been appearing in China for more than a century. However, many Chinese translations fail to clarify which editions they take as their sources, in turn affecting interpretation of the plays.
Join Professor Cong Cong, co-Director of the Shakespeare Centre, China, as she shares her insights into Chinese translations of Shakespeare’s work. Professor Cong Cong will compare three Chinese versions of Hamlet that use the 1623 Folio as their ‘original copy’. The lecture discusses how different versions affect the understanding of this play in China.
Spaces are available: Book now
When: Tuesday 6 February, 12:30-13:30
Where: Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Lloyd Suite, Hornton Grange
Orchestral fireworks at concert
The University of Birmingham is hosting a performance at the Elgar Concert Hall on Thursday 8 February starring internationally renowned Chinese pianist Di Xiao and the University of Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra. Di is joined by Jennie Zhan on pipa and Pinyan Lin on guzheng for this celebratory concert that will be fizzing with orchestral fireworks to see in the Lunar New Year.
Tickets have sold out, however spaces can still open up if people drop out so please do check the website. We also have more events and activities happening across campus listed on this page.
Lunar New Year gathering
The Race Equality Network invites all staff to join its Lunar New Year celebration at Café Aroma (located on the 1st floor of Staff House) on Monday 12 February, 11:00-13:00. Enjoy snacks, do some Lunar New Year-inspired crafts and meet new colleagues.
Old Joe lighting up
Be sure to look up at the world's tallest freestanding clock tower, aka our beloved Old Joe, between Wednesday 7 February and Saturday 10 February, to see its clock face lighting up red.
Music and merriment at the Guild
Throughout the week staff are welcome to visit the Guild reception which will be decorated, with themed music and sweets. They have a packed programme aimed at students, with staff welcome to join in:
- Thursday 8 February, 13:00-16:30 – Head to the Guild of Students reception for crafts session, with collaborative dragon making! This event is free entry.
- Friday 9 February, 15:00-18:00 – Lunar New Year Celebration are taking place for students in Halls at The Vale, Chamberlain Tower. This fun event offers free food and paper cutting activities.
- Friday 9 February, 18:30 – The Chinese Student Society have organised a Chinese Spring Festival Gala in the Bramall Concert Hall. Please contact Man Chan for more details and to book your ticket mtc103@student.bham.ac.uk
Celebrations in the city
There will be a packed programme of events on Sunday 11 February in Birmingham city centre to celebrate the official first day of the new year. Head to Hippodrome Square where celebrations will begin with the traditional waking of the Lion 'dim jing' as well as performances from Lions and Buddha Men with firecrackers, drummers, traditional fan dancers and more. You can also spend time at market stalls, enjoying street food, craft, funfairs, face painting and a chance to see Pom the 10ft Panda! A spectacular fireworks finale will close the celebrations. It's free to attend, simply wander over between 12:00 and 17:00. Visit the Hippodrome website for more details.
Treat your taste buds
If you’re a bit of a foodie, why not tuck into some top rated Chinese eateries around campus? There will be themed food at Infusion at the Vale, you can also head to the Bristol Road for some Cheung Fun (rice noodle rolls) from Classic HK Kitchen or enjoy hand-pulled noodles at Woodstock Cafe. Meanwhile in the city, try some traditional Chinese baked goods at Wah Kee Bakery in the Chinese Quarter, head to Café Soya for veggie and vegan options or pop into Chung Ying Cantonese for some of Brum's best dumplings.
Stay in the loop
You can also follow the China Institute on Twitter (@UOBChina) for more information and further updates.
