2026 Spring Festival Celebration at LSBU

Marking the start of the Year of the Horse, the LSBU community gathered for a vibrant Chinese New Year Gala at Edric Theatre on 18 February 2026. The performance team of Caxton House made an inspiring presentation on stage, capturing the essence of the new year through themes of endless joy and renewed energy.

Prof Deborah Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highly praised Caxton House Team’s significant work in the Mandarin learning and teaching, acupuncture clinic services, and various cultural events that enhance cross-cultural understanding and engagement. She thanked the audience for joining the celebration of the Chinese New Year and of diversity and inclusivity. She also highly appreciated Caxton House Team’s support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The gala featured folk dances, martial arts, Chinese and Western instrumental music, Chinese folk songs, and lion dance. The audience were fascinated by the diverse range of performances and captivated by the lively and jubilant atmosphere. They loved the “sublime dancing and thrilling Martial Arts sequences” — the “warmth and joy” brought about by the graceful dancers and the Martial artists’ “strength, discipline, and speed in a visually dynamic way”; they admired the medley of Chinese and Western musical instruments “blended beautifully, creating harmonious music that was superbly performed”; they were also amazed by the lion dance as it brought back childhood memories of “watching the lion dance with amazement in China Town with our families.” The audience, deeply moved with “a true sense of Chinese tradition through their costumes and cultural characteristics,” applauded and cheered for the talented performers in appreciation of all their inspirations, creativity, and hard work.

The 2026 LSBU Chinese New Year Gala, like those in the past 11 years, successfully combined calligraphic practice, artistic performance, and community spirit, creating an immersive all-round cultural experience for the participants. The calligraphy workshop before the gala provided the early comers with an opportunity to write their own fu 福 character as their new year wishes. The raffle draws added an extra flavour to the festive atmosphere. This year’s prizes were generously contributed by LSBU Active, South Bank Students’ Union, and Alumni and Supporter Relations Team. At the event, Caxton House has raised £270 this year for The Access Project in support of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.