A fiery start to kick off Lunar New Year celebrations in Wellington
Lunar New Year celebrations will get off to a fiery start with a fireworks display on Wellington’s waterfront on Saturday 17 February 2024. The fireworks, supported by Stonewood Group will kick off Asian Events Trust’s (AET) Lunar New Year Festival.
Asian Events Trust announced last month its decision to revive the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival after a generous sponsorship offer was received from Lee Kum Kee, a globally renowned multinational company offering authentic Asian sauces and condiments.
Linda Lim, Asian Events Trust Chair says, “we appreciate all the positive feedback and support we have received from the community, our sponsors and funders since we made the decision to bring back the festival next year.”
“AET has a long-standing association with Stonewood Group that dates back to 2017. It’s great to have them on board again for 2024,” says Linda.
“Michael Chow, co-owner of Stonewood Group says, "the Dragon symbolises power, nobility, honour, luck and success in Chinese culture.”
“In Chinese culture, these mythical creatures are in a class of their own, regarded as the givers of abundance and longevity - qualities that align perfectly with the values of Stonewood Group.
“As a family-run business, Lunar New Year celebrations are very important for the Chow family, as well as the ever-growing family of businesses that comprise the Stonewood Group.
“The festival provides enriching experiences for all our communities, and an important connection to Asian culture for everyone in Wellington.
“We are very happy to continue our support for AET, to enable a fireworks display to be included in the festival programme”, says Michael.
Fireworks are an important part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Originating from ancient beliefs, the loud noise and bright lights from the fireworks were thought to dispel all evil, and bring good luck to communities for the coming year.
Linda says “We thank Stonewood Group for their support. We cannot think of a better way to kick off a weekend of activities to welcome in the Year of the Dragon, than to have a fireworks display.”
Wellington’s waterfront will come alive on Saturday 17 February 2024, with site-specific performances involving dragons, lions and other performers. These activations will culminate in a dragon dance, setting the scene for Wellington Harbour to be lit up with fireworks. This will ward off bad fortune, and make way for a new year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity for all Wellingtonians.
Sunday 18 February 2024 will see Shed 6 and TSB Arena transformed into a bustling market, housing the vibrancy and colour of Asian arts, craft, culture and mouth-watering cuisine. A five-hour cultural entertainment stage programme will showcase the diversity of the talents of our local Asian communities. The festival provides a place for connection and celebration, reflection and reunion – for family, whanau and the community to come together to welcome in the Lunar New Year, in the cultural melting pot of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
Linda says, “Lunar New Year celebrations have been a much-loved and an important part of Wellington's events calendar for over twenty years.
“We are thrilled to have has this opportunity again to bring the whole community together - Asians and non-Asians alike, and to provide a most spectacular platform to enter the Dragon,” says Linda.
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2024 Lunar New Year Festival, 17 & 18 February 2024 at TSB Arena and Shed 6, Wellington. For more information go to www.lunarnewyearfestival.co.nz, or email linda@asianeventstrust.co.nz. To arrange an interview, contact Linda Lim on 027 432 4269.