Chinese New Year

Welcome to the 2006 Chinese New Year Festival - Year of the Dog
New Years Eve - Sin Nian@ Capital E Saturday 28 January 2006
Festival Day – Saturday 11 February 2006
Be into WIN wear lucky Red
An exciting two weeks is planned over the Chinese New Year period, where it has become a major cultural festival in Wellington city’s events calendar. We’ve got all the action to help celebrate one of the world’s largest festivals, and include our successful Festival Day, featuring the very colourful parade through Courtenay Place, the cultural entertainment and the bustling Asian market.
We are constantly updating this site as activities and dates are confirmed, so whilst we are doing our best to keep you informed, please excuse the odd irregularity! If you have any queries, please click onto Contacts to make an enquiry.
Main events - all are FREE
New Years Eve - Sin Nian@ Capital E Saturday 28 January 2006
‘New Clothes’ for the New Year – Sin Nian, ( New Year’s Day actually falls on Sunday 29 January, ) the designs of Sophie Voon, Wellington and Sharon Ng, Christchurch, will feature in a funky fashion and dance show at Capital E on Saturday, 28 January 2006, between 2 – 5pm.
Sin Nian @ Capital E will also feature kids activities, including the colouring in of Civic Square, with local calligraphy artist Stan Chan drawing a huge Dog on Civic Square for children (and their parents) to colour in with chalk supplied by Capital E, there will also be a soft-toy dog competition, craft activities, traditional lion dancing and a stunning display of Beijing Opera figurines courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Festival Day – Saturday 11 February 2006

Wellington waterfront will radiate with hues of red in recognition of its symbolism for luck, happiness and life. The Events Centre will come alive to the sounds and smells of an Asian market (11am - 3pm); with colourful action and entertainment (3pm – 5.30pm) at Frank Kitts Park and a parade from Courtenay Place to Frank Kitts between 2 – 3pm.
Be into WIN wear lucky Red
Everyone attending is encouraged to help “Paint the Town Red” on Festival Day by wearing red. Spot prizes will be awarded during the entertainment programme at Frank Kitts Park. ZMFM Black Thunder will be patrolling the streets on the day and for 3 days prior handing out New Year gifts to those spotted wearing red.
Asian Market - Events Centre - Queens Wharf - 11am - 3pm
Street Parade - 2pmRoute: Tennyson Street -> Courtenay Place -> Taranaki Street Wharg -> Waterfront -> Frank Kitts Park
Cultural Entertainment 3 - 5pmFree entertainment will be held in Frank Kitts Park, including Dragon Dance, Lion Dance music, firecrackers and lots more.

For more details please check out our 2006 Activities Schedule.

Updated on 18.1.2006
Because the size and scope of the Festival has grown so much, it is now organised by an independent trust - Asian Events Trust, PO Box 7197, Wellington.For contacts