It’s one of the world’s largest festivals and was around way before Christmas was celebrated. Chinese New Year marks the start of a new year and brings together families in a special reunion, much the way Christmas does. It marks the turn of the Chinese calendar as dictated by the new moon of the lunar year each year which means it falls on a different day.

Fortunately for Chinese-speaking countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, they will enjoy a couple of public holidays while they celebrate in special reunions. Celebrations are strong in Australia too, with Sydney hosting the largest Chinese New Year Festivals outside of China! According to Chinese zodiac, 2015 will also see us welcome the Year of the Sheep (or Goat).

Join in the celebrations and share in the festivities happening in Perth.

EVENTS

Chinese New Year Fair
When: Sunday, 22 Feb
Time: 12 pm – 9pm
Where: Lake Street, James Street and Chinatown, Northbridge
More info: www.chungwah.org.au/PCNYF2015
James Street in Northbridge will come alive with performances at every half hour interval and will include lion and dragon dances, Chinese ethnic parade, WA police pipe band and a stage show on Roe Street from 12pm to 6pm. There streets will also be lined with about 100 stalls, an activity area for kids including the Kids’ Zone (face painting, balloonist, clowns) at the Northbridge Piazza from 12pm to 4pm.

William So: Lunar New Year Concert
When: Sunday, 22 Feb
Where: Crown Perth Grand Ballroom
More info:  http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WILLIAMS15
Celebrate Lunar New Year with William So ( 蘇永康; So Wing Hong) together with your family and friends for a memorable concert experience at Crown Perth.

From his breakthrough onto the Chinese music scene in the 1980s to his current role as a member of The Big Four, William So is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s heavy-weight music icons.

Honoured for his soulful, tender vocals and passionate love songs, including the immortal hit song “More Kisses, More Sorrows (越吻越傷)”, William So has come to be known as the Prince of Romantic Songs.

In Perth for the very first time, William So performs songs from his new album together with many of his golden hits.

A must-see concert performance during the Lunar New Year festival and a wonderful time to be shared with family and friends.

Chinese Lunar Race Day
When: Saturday, 21 Feb
Time: Gates open at 9am, function starts at 12:30pm
Where: Ascot Racecourse
Cost: General admission at the gate is $15 or only $10.20 Earlybird price through Ticketek
More info: http://www.perthracing.org.au/carnivals-events/event/2014/12/27/chinese-lunar-race-day
An exciting celebration of Chinese culture and tradition will be on display on the grounds of Ascot Racecourse. In addition to a live racing programme, influences of the Orient will be on showcase through;
A number of mouth-watering hospitality options

• A fantastic line-up of trackside entertainment including;
  • Lion Dancing
    • Martial Arts Demonstration
      • Acrobatic Presentation
        • Special Performances
          • Chinese Art and Culture Exhibition
            • Chinese Food and Market Stalls
              • Lantern Display and a ;
                • Special appearance to be made by the Consulate General of China.

There’ll also be a Great Fortune Cookie promotion with fabulous prizes.

Dumplings on The Deck
Enjoy one of Ascot’s favourite trackside locations while dining on sumptuous dumplings and other Asian inspired treats. The package includes general admission, 2 hours of cocktail food, three drink vouchers, live entertainment and complimentary parking via Grandstand Road.

Oulala Pop-Up Cinema Chinese New Year Movie Night
When: Saturday, 21 Feb
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Local school performance at 6.30pm; Movie starts 7.30pm)
Where: Memorial Gardens, 298 Albany Highway, Victoria Park
Cost: $10 Adults / $8 Seniors / Free for children under 12
More info: http://www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au/community/events/chinese-new-year-celebrations-oulala-pop-cinema-chinese-night
Movie: Kung-Fu Panda
Book your tickets for the pop-up movie Kung-Fu Panda and settle in for a great night of Chinese culture and entertainment and a special local school performance at 6.30pm! Buy your delicious freshly cooked food at the Taste of Asia Market Stalls. Door Prizes worth $550 will be drawn on the night for ticket holders!

FOOD

Atrium Indulgent Buffet
When: 5 Feb – 1 March
Where: The Atrium, Crown Perth
More info: http://www.crownperth.com.au/What-s-On/Lunar-New-Year-at-Crown/Indulgent-Buffet
Celebrate Lunar New Year with traditional dishes such as Cantonese BBQ Pork and Prosperity Salad, as well as your favourite dim sum, extensive seafood, endless desserts and more at Atrium Buffet.

Celebration Banquet
When: Feb 18 – 25
Where: Silks, Crown Perth
More info: http://www.crownperth.com.au/What-s-On/Lunar-New-Year-at-Crown/Celebration-Banquet
Enjoy a decadent Lunar New Year banquet at Perth’s finest Chinese restaurant Silks for $138 per person.
Dine with 10 or more guests to receive a bottle of Hennessey VSOP Cognac.