Bolton College has welcomed in the Chinese New Year in style, with a lion dance to celebrate the incoming year of the fire rooster. 

Staff and students were treated to a captivating performance of the traditional dance in the College’s Atrium. 

The New Year, or ‘Spring Festival’ as it is known in China, is the longest and most important holiday in China. According to Chinese tradition, people born in the year of the fire rooster radiate authority and precision, and are feisty and forthright. 

The lion was brought to life by the College’s very own VIP – Hansa Patel, who is not only the College’s longest serving member of staff, but was born in 1957, the last year of the fire rooster.   

The College’s Principal, Bill Webster, joined in with the celebrations and said: ‘I worked in Hong Kong for many years, and always looked forward to the amazing New Year celebrations which were spectacular. It was wonderful to watch the lion dance, and to bring a taste of China to Bolton College’. 

To view photos of other exciting College events, visit here.