Bangor University’s Confucius Institute celebrated Chinese New Year on Saturday 13th February with an awe-inspiring Two Dragons Parade through central Bangor; created, performed and puppeteered by schoolchildren from Ysgol Hirael.

See the video here: Colin Daimond Dragons Project

Colin Daimond is the artistic director for the project working alongside materials artist / puppeteer Peter Powell and Dancer Liu Yuan from the Beijing Dance Academy.

In an adaptation from Chinese legend, two dragons (one Welsh and one Chinese) wound their way through the streets of Bangor to the sound of drums, chasing an elusive pearl swept away by a storm. The project has been developed over several weeks with movement, music and craft workshops taking place at Ysgol Hirael.

The parade started at Ysgol Hirael on Orme Road and made its way through the city centre finishing at Bangor Town Clock for a grand finale.

“The Chinese and Welsh dragons dancing together are a potent symbol of cultural exchange and we are very proud that Ysgol Hirael is able to represent Bangor at such a prestigious event.”

said Miss Valmai Davies, Headteacher at Ysgol Hirael.

More information about the Confucius Institute’s events can be found at: www.bangor.ac.uk/confucius-institute.