Lion dancers will welcome the Chinese New Year at the Victoria Bridge Forecourt this Friday night.

Townsville City Council is ringing in The Year of the Rat with a celebration of Chinese culture in the CBD.

Division 3 representative and Sister Cities Community Forum Chairperson, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, said cultural diversity was one of the things that made Townsville a vibrant place to live.

“We have a beautiful city that has become home to people from all around the world. Townsville is more multicultural now than ever before, and this is something worth celebrating,” Cr Greaney said.

“Chinese New Year is a significant festive period for so many people living in and visiting Townsville, so Council is working with The Townsville Chinese Club to celebrate the Lunar New Year.”

Cr Greaney said there was plenty planned to entertain families, couples and anyone wanting to enjoy the festivities.

“There will be complimentary Chinese dumplings and tea served on the night, so attendees can have a taste of Chinese culture,” she said.

“There will also be lion dancing to bring good luck and fortune in The Year of the Rat, and a parade for children wearing qipaos, which are traditional Chinese outfits.”

Townsville’s Chinese New Year celebrations start at 6.30pm and run until 8pm at the Victoria Bridge Forecourt this Friday, 24 January.

Lion dancers will welcome the Chinese New Year at the Victoria Bridge Forecourt this Friday night.

Townsville City Council is ringing in The Year of the Rat with a celebration of Chinese culture in the CBD.

Division 3 representative and Sister Cities Community Forum Chairperson, Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney, said cultural diversity was one of the things that made Townsville a vibrant place to live.

“We have a beautiful city that has become home to people from all around the world. Townsville is more multicultural now than ever before, and this is something worth celebrating,” Cr Greaney said.

“Chinese New Year is a significant festive period for so many people living in and visiting Townsville, so Council is working with The Townsville Chinese Club to celebrate the Lunar New Year.”

Cr Greaney said there was plenty planned to entertain families, couples and anyone wanting to enjoy the festivities.

“There will be complimentary Chinese dumplings and tea served on the night, so attendees can have a taste of Chinese culture,” she said.

“There will also be lion dancing to bring good luck and fortune in The Year of the Rat, and a parade for children wearing qipaos, which are traditional Chinese outfits.”

Townsville’s Chinese New Year celebrations start at 6.30pm and run until 8pm at the Victoria Bridge Forecourt this Friday, 24 January.