Armagh Planetarium
was delighted to be chosen to hold this year's
New Year celebrations by the Chinese community
to tie in with the fact that China became
the third nation to join the space race in
2003.
The Chinese
community is currently the largest ethnic
minority in Northern Ireland with over 8000
people now living here. Armagh Planetarium
in conjunction with the Chinese Welfare Association
hopes that this celebration will help to eliminate
the sense of isolation felt by many in this
community and that it will contribute to the
positive promotion of cultural diversity.
(LEFT)
A CHINESE DRAGON DANCES WITH FIREWORKS IN
THE BACKGROUND.
Click
on image for a larger view.
The event saw the evening sky being lit
by spectacular fireworks and multicultural
performances including a Chinese Lion Dance,
Tai Chi demonstrations and Chinese Opera.
There was also a traditional Chinese buffet
that was enjoyed by all attending the two
nights of celebration.
(LEFT)
MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE COMMUNITY PUT ON
A FANTASTIC DISPLAY TO MARK THE 'YEAR OF
THE MONKEY'.
Click
on image for a larger view.
Dr Tom Mason, Director of Armagh Planetarium
believes it was a great opportunity to enhance
awareness of the rich scientific history of
the Chinese people and the Chinese community
in Northern Ireland.
"Every early evolving civilization
has looked to the skies and used the heavens
to bring meaning to their lives, through religious
beliefs to telling the time of year. The Chinese
people have a great scientific history and
it is wonderful that our Planetarium is the
first in the Northern hemisphere to hold this
type of official ceremony for the New Year
festivities".
