Confucius' Dragon Boats take to Mersey

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De La Sa Vice Principal, Cath Flaherty: "The Dragon Boat race is always an enjoyable challenge"

Schools from across the region descended on the River Mersey for the Liverpool Confucius Institute’s annual Dragon Boat race.

More than 150 youngsters from nine schools took part in the event, which sees 16 rowers take to each 42 foot craft and power to the finish line to the rhythm of the onboard drummer.

Liverpool Confucius Institute, part of the University, acts as a hub for the region’s growing relationship with China, working closely with schools, businesses and the community.

It organised the races alongside charity, Liverpool Heartbeat, and Alsop High School, Broughton Hall, Ormiston Bollingbroke Academy, De La Salle, Enterprise South Liverpool Academy (ESLA), All Saints Kirkby, Litherland High and St Julie’s were all hoping to wrestle the crown from last year’s winners, The Bluecoat School.

Each team raced in groups of three over two rounds, before a second round contest that produced a final between Alsop, Ormiston Bollingbroke Academy and defending champions, The Bluecoat School.

In a tight race, Alsop broke away to take the title and teacher, Paul Deakin said: "It’s been a great day, the kids didn’t know too much at the start but as soon as they got their rhythm they were great. It is a great event, well organised and we look forward to defending our title next year."

Open to all

Dragon Boat racing, or Duan Wu in Chinese, is accessible for all and Broughton High School turned in a respectable sixth place finish with an all female team. Teacher, Mike Reid said: "It has been terrific fun, they are a team of all girls but this has not disadvantaged them at all. They have really enjoyed the day and were buzzing when they came back up after the race." Year 7 pupil, Abbey added: "The rhythm is the most important, it doesn’t matter how strong you are."

De La Salle Vice Principal, Cath Flaherty said: "The Dragon Boat race is always an enjoyable challenge and is a test of drive and stamina. This year our Year 8 pupils have studied Chinese language and culture, and the race allows them to engage in more of the culture and traditions of this important country."

The event was also welcomed by Liverpool City Council’s Education Officer, Paul Bradshaw. He said: "It is wonderful to see young people embrace aspects of Chinese culture. Many of these students will be learning Mandarin in the next two years."

Ann Smith, Deputy Director of the University’s Confucius Institute, added: "Liverpool Confucius Institute is delighted to hold this event. It offers the opportunity to participate in a fun event which stimulates interest in Chinese culture and activities. The Confucius Institute is working with schools throughout the city to encourage students to learn Mandarin and learn more about China."

Charity, Liverpool Heartbeat helps young people on Merseyside develop as independent adults through advice, educational programmes and physical activities.

Liverpool Confucius Institute Chinese New Year Gala at St George's Hall

 

Group photograph of Chinese New Year Gala performers with VIPs

(Group photograph of the performers with Professor Alison Fell Dean of the School of Histories Languages and Cultures at the University of Liverpool, Dr Penny Ding UK Deputy Director of the Liverpool Confucius Institute, Mr Liang Yan of the Manchester Chinese Consulate, Professor Gavin Brown Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councilor Richard Kemp CBE, and Mr Gary Millar President of the Liverpool-China Partnership)

 

On the 9th of February, the Liverpool Confucius Institute hosted its annual Chinese New Year Gala in the historic St George’s Hall. 

 

As the inaugural event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Liverpool-Shanghai sisterhood, the gala was a vibrant celebration, not only of the lunar new year, but also of the enduring relationship between our two cities.

 

Mr Kong Fu'An, the Director of the Shanghai Municipal Affairs Office, gave a recorded speech in which he extended New Year greetings and expressed his wishes for the continuation of a long and prosperous relationship between Liverpool and Shanghai.

 

Jelli Studios Glee Choir Performing Somewhere Over the Rainbow

(Jello Studios - Somewhere Over the Rainbow) 

 

Liverpool might be home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, but the gala, which aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion, showcased the talents of all kinds of people. From enthusiastic school children and skilled university students to dedicated community groups and seasoned professionals, the LCI welcomed them all onto the stage.

  

Jo Walls Theatre Group performing

(Jo Walls Theatre Group - Be Her Hero) 

 

Amongst an audience of over 500, was the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, Cllr Liam Robinson, the Leader of the Liverpool City Council, Mr Liang Yan of the Chinese Consulate in Manchester, Prof Gavin Brown, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education at the University of Liverpool, and Mr Gary Millar, President of the Liverpool-China Partnership.

 

A group of VIPs at the VIP reception in St George's Hall 

 (A group of VIPs at the VIP reception before the gala. From left to right: Prof Gavin Brown, Prof Alison Fell, Dr Penny Ding, Cllr Erica Kemp CBE, Mrs Karen Brown, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, and Mr Liang Yan)

 

"It was a truly memorable occasion and thoroughly enjoyable," said Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, Deuputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool. 

 

University of Liverpool Student Gladys Wong playing

(Gladys Wong - The Moon Reflected on a Spring/Er Quan Ying Yue)

 

But it was the performers who were the true heart and soul of the gala. The audience was treated to an evening of fantastic entertainment, with acts ranging from martial arts displays and drama performances, to piano recitals and choral singing.

 

Two Chinese Lion dancers holding up a banner saying

(Jinlong Performing Arts - The Lion Dance)

 

Dr Penny Ding, the UK Deputy Director of the Liverpool Confucius Institute, remarked, "As the Artistic Director of Liverpool's Chinese New Year gala, I had the privilege of orchestrating a celebration of diversity and friendship at the heart of our city.

With over 120 performers, including young students and adults from various institutions, we transformed St George’s Hall into a stage of vibrant cultures and shared talents.

This event, supported by St George’s Hall, the Confucius Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University, and our local community, symbolizes our collective achievements and the power of unity."

 

Michelle Yim of Red Dragonfly Productions performing the Ballad of Hua Mulan

(Michelle Yim, Red Dragonfly Productions Ltd - The Ballad of Hua Mulan)

 

Although every single performance was received with raucous applause and huge smiles from the audience, the best was saved for last: a twenty-foot-long golden dragon, lit from the inside, and expertly manipulated by six martial artists. The dragon flew around the Great Hall, inspiring awe and delight in everyone who saw it.

 

“WOW, what a night! We will attend again next year," said a member of the audience. "Singing, dancing, martial arts and so much more. The talent was outstanding! What a way to spend Chinese New Year’s Eve!"

 

  

(Jinlong Performing Arts - The Dragon Dance)

 

"Our students had the most incredible evening celebrating and witnessing the richness and beauty of Chinese Culture. It was such an honour to be part of this amazing evening, in our amazing City," Jane Fleming, Head of education at Jelli Studios Glee Choir, told the LCI after the show.

 

We would like to thank all those who performed in the gala for sharing their unique talents with us. We are also grateful to our VIPs for making the time to attend the event, and to the staff and volunteers who helped make the gala possible. Last but never least, we wish to thank everyone who purchased a ticket. Your support means the world to us, and the proceeds from the event will go towards making the gala an annual tradition to be enjoyed again and again.

 

The Liverpool Confucius Institute wishes you a happy lunar new year, and a prosperous Year of the Dragon! 新年快乐！龙年大吉！

 

Find out more about the LCI’s Chinese New Year activities here.

 

Written by Carys Phillips

Photo credits: Gareth Jones

We proudly announce that LCI has helped raise over £17,000 at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Boat Race with a University of Liverpool team.

The event on the 12th May 2024, at the Queen's Dock, kicked off with a captivating lion dance, followed by a dragon eye dotting ceremony with the Lord Mayor. Various cultural activities were also running, such as cord crafting, creative Zongzi (rice dumplings) and marble games.

This year, we beat our previous bronze record, and through the team’s hard work, scooped silver. To achieve this, we triumphed over eighteen other dragon boats between fifteen teams from different local businesses and organisations. These included Local Solutions, ACC Liverpool, Liverpool Chinese Business Association and the Ukraine Community Group. Congratulations also go to The Belt and Road Association UK who came first and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service who came third.

The LCI also proudly hosted and organised this year’s Northwest England Confucius Institutes Dragon Boat Race on 27th April. This race saw five teams from different universities and Confucius Institutes including the University of Liverpool, the University of Lancaster, the University of Central Lancashire, Edge Hill University and the University of Manchester go head-to-head. Dr Penny Ding was also lucky enough to be invited to attend the 5th Barcelona International Dragon Festival in May, where her teams were awarded two bronze and one silver medals.

This annual event, headed by the Lord Mayor, saw over £17,000 raised for the charity Local Solutions. As a charity, they deliver services to support individuals, families and communities across the Liverpool City Region and North Wales at risk of losing their homes.

Along with the money raised from other projects, our fundraising will pay for two full-time Mentors for two years. This will positively impact the lives of approximately 120 young homeless people/at risk of homelessness. We are thrilled to be able to support our local community with positive outcomes while exploring and celebrating Chinese culture and heritage.

More information about Local Solutions can be found on their website.

"The UoL Confucius Institute is thrilled to lead a team of eighteen paddlers comprising students, staff, and community members to secure second place in these very competitive races. Dragon boating emphasises teamwork, and I'm immensely proud of our team's achievements, camaraderie, and skill development. We're committed to strengthening our team further and aiming for the trophy next year. Knowing that our efforts will benefit disadvantaged youth adds an extra layer of joy to our success."

Dr Penny Ding, LCI Deputy Director and Dragon Boat Race Captain

Thank you to all this year’s event volunteers and supporters who gave up their time to celebrate this ancient Chinese tradition with us.

What is a Dragon Boat Race?

At over 2,000 years old, dragon boating is not just a sport, but a vibrant cultural festival, too. Born from the ancient tale of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet who leapt into a river, locals raced in boats, banging drums and splashing paddles to shoo away fish. Today, these dramatic, dragon-themed boats and rhythmic drums have turned this commemorative event into a thrilling race celebrated worldwide. It's a colourful splash of history that brings communities together, all in the spirit of unity and celebration. Explore more about this sport here.

If you’d like to hear about our events, and for opportunities to get involved, please sign up for our monthly newsletter by emailing lci@liverpool.ac.uk.

Photography by Tommy Wong.