Campsie Lantern Festival

Overview

Give Lunar New Year the send-off it deserves for another 12 months at the Campsie Lantern Festival in Canterbury-Bankstown. On Saturday, February 8, Campsie's Anzac Mall and Anzac Square will burst to life with colourful lanterns, delicious Asian cuisines and a chock-a-block program of cultural entertainment.

The star of the show is Yunnan Arts Troupe director Bo Yang, whose renowned group will celebrate China's ethnic minorities from the stage with diverse dances, costumes and musical performances. Meanwhile, traditional fan veil ribbon dancers, taiko drummers, lion dancing and fireworks displays will add to the jam-packed schedule.

There's a lot to take in, but don't miss the Campsie Catwalk, where each traditional outfit offers symbolic significance through its fabric, embroidery and colours. If you're bringing the family, the kids can also get involved through free face-painting and lantern-making workshops. Plus, Korean corn dogs, Japanese pizzas and New Year noodles will keep the crowds satisfied.

If you happen to be born during the Year of the Snake – perhaps in 2001 – you've got the chance to evoke plenty of love, wealth and wisdom heading into the New Year. For the best results, consider following Bo Yang's suggestion: "My advice to people who were born in the Year of the Snake is that they should wear something red every day of the year to ensure they have good luck."