「Composes a New Chapter of the Sino-British Dream」
The 2025 Manchester Spring Festival Gala Concludes Successfully

On 9 February 2025, the Manchester Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA-Manchester) successfully hosted the 2025 Manchester Spring Festival & Lantern Festival Gala, themed "The Auspicious Snake Brings Fortune, Unveiling the Charm of Vibrant Spring", at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The event featured a diverse range of activities, including intangible cultural heritage showcases, a festive New Year fair, and spectacular performances, drawing an audience of over a thousand Chinese students, members of the Chinese community, and friends from all walks of life to celebrate Chinese New Year together.

The gala explored the profound depth of Chinese traditional culture, resonating with contemporary themes and intertwining personal growth with a sense of global responsibility. It showcased the energy, ambition, and commitment of young Chinese students abroad, reflecting their engagement with both cultural heritage and modern aspirations.

Seamlessly blending intellectual depth and artistic expression, the gala not only highlighted the richness of Chinese culture but also demonstrated the younger generation’s deep appreciation for heritage and their active role in cross-cultural dialogue. Its successful staging strengthened connections within the Chinese community in the UK while also contributing to enhanced cultural exchange and friendship between China and Britain.

Consul General Tang Rui of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Manchester, along with Counsellor Liang Yan and Education Consul Ren Yu, attended the gala as honoured guests. They were joined by Paul Andrews, Mayor of Manchester; Amy Whyte, Mayor of Trafford; Betty Affleck, Mayor of Tameside; Kerry Waters, Deputy Mayor of Stockport; and Duncan Ivison, President of the University of Manchester.

Distinguished figures from politics, academia, and various sectors both in the UK and internationally gathered at the event to celebrate Chinese New Year with the audience, witnessing this vibrant cultural occasion together.

Consul General Tang Rui extended his festive greetings and sincere best wishes to the students and audience. He highlighted that over the past year, China has made steady progress in its modernisation efforts, while China-UK relations have entered a new phase of opportunity.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Manchester, he expressed confidence that China-UK cooperation will continue to flourish in the city. He encouraged students to seize the opportunities of the times, leverage their strengths, and contribute to fostering stronger ties between China and the UK, while also playing a role in shaping a brighter future.

Mayor of Manchester, Paul Andrews, extended his Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese students and the audience, expressing his gratitude to the Manchester Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA-Manchester)for their dedicated efforts in organising the event.

He highlighted Manchester’s status as a world-renowned education hub, home to a vibrant international student community. He acknowledged that the presence of Chinese students not only enriches the academic environment but also contributes positively to the local community and cultural development.

Mayor Andrews commended Chinese student organisations for their important role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening China-UK friendship. He emphasised that Manchester remains committed to inclusivity and multiculturalism, noting the long-standing and stable cooperation between China and the UK in education and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, he expressed his hope that more cultural initiatives will further enhance mutual understanding between the two nations and solidify their friendly ties.

He concluded by wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year.

President of the University of Manchester, Duncan Ivison, extended his Chinese New Year greetings to the guests and Chinese students, expressing his delight in celebrating the festival together.

He highlighted the long-standing ties between the University of Manchester and China, noting that over 9,000 Chinese students are currently studying at the university. Their presence not only enriches the cultural vibrancy of the campus but also makes a significant contribution to Manchester’s diverse and dynamic development.

President Ivison reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with China in education and research, pledging continued investment in these areas. He shared that this year holds special significance for him—not only as his "lucky year" but also as the occasion of his first official visit to China as President. He looked forward to the upcoming trip, where he hopes to strengthen connections with alumni and partners, fostering even greater cooperation.

He concluded by thanking CSSA-Manchester for their meticulous organisation and wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous New Year.

On behalf of the organisers, Wang Guyang, President of the Manchester Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA-Manchester), warmly welcomed the guests and audience. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the long-standing support of the Consulate General of China in Manchester, the University of Manchester, and members of the wider community.

He reaffirmed CSSA-Manchester’s commitment to openness, innovation, and collaboration, striving to enhance exchanges and mutual learning between young people in China and the UK. He expressed his hope that the Spring Festival Gala would not only showcase the vibrant spirit of students but also reflect the shared vision of the younger generation in promoting cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, CSSA-Manchester will continue to organise more cultural exchange initiatives, encouraging young people to play an active role in strengthening China-UK friendship. He concluded by wishing the gala great successand extending his Chinese New Year greetings to all guests.

The gala featured a diverse array of artistic performances and traditional programmes, offering a vivid showcase of the unique charm of Chinese culture. Through music, dance, instrumental performances, and theatrical sketches, the event provided the audience with an immersive experience, highlighting the depth and richness of Chinese cultural heritage.

By using art as a bridge, the gala also reflected the vibrant spirit and creative expression of contemporary youth, fostering cultural appreciation and exchange in a dynamic and engaging way.

「Youthful Aspiration, Vibrant Energy」

Young people are the driving force behind social progress and the key to shaping the future. As members of a globally connected generation, Chinese students embrace both international perspectives and a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage. At the gala, students took to the stage with dance, instrumental performances, theatrical sketches, and choral singing, expressing their heartfelt aspirations and showcasing their passion, resilience, and dedication to artistic expression. Through their performances, they reflected a spirit of ambition and responsibility, embodying the values of cultural exchange and youthful determination.

With talent and enthusiasm, these performers illuminated the stage, not only celebrating youth through art but also demonstrating the dynamic and diverse voices of a new generation. The gala’s performances were rich in theme and artistic depth—powerful and expressive dance routines captured the spirit of perseverance; soaring instrumental melodies reflected the depth of cultural heritage; engaging and witty sketches blended humour with social reflection; and grand choral performances resonated with the audience, celebrating the hopes and dreams of young people today. By weaving together traditional Chinese culture with modern creativity, the gala presented a spectacular and thought-provoking artistic experience that embraced both heritage and innovation.

The spirit of youth extends beyond the stage—it is reflected in the dedication and aspirations of every student striving for excellence. Global learning experiences is not only an academic pursuit but also an opportunity to serve as a bridge between cultures. Young people today are shaping the future through cultural dialogue, embracing diversity, and fostering meaningful exchanges. Through this gala, students demonstrated their role as global citizens, using culture and the arts as a medium for mutual understanding. More than just a celebration, the event contributed to strengthening connections between China and the UK, fostering a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural engagement.

「Cultural Confidence, Heritage and Innovation」

Chinese culture, shaped by millennia of heritage, embodies a profound spirit of identity and confidence. As one of Manchester’s key cultural celebrations for Chinese New Year, the Manchester Spring Festival & Lantern Festival Gala was more than just an artistic spectacle—it served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange between China and the UK. This event brought together Chinese heritage and global diversity, showcasing the inclusive and dynamic nature of cultural dialogue while fostering deeper connections and friendship between communities.

At the gala, audiences from diverse backgrounds—including local British guests—immersed themselves in the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year, experiencing the warmth of festive traditions firsthand. From the graceful melodies of traditional Chinese instruments to the expressive elegance of folk dances, and the high-energy performances of contemporary music, the fusion of artistic styles reflected both heritage and modernity. This cultural celebration, bridging the traditions of the East with the vibrancy of the West, offered international audiences a unique opportunity to appreciate the richness and depth of Chinese culture, while encouraging mutual understanding and appreciation across different communities.

Culture thrives through exchange, and civilisations are enriched through dialogue. The Manchester Spring Festival & Lantern Festival Gala not only expanded the reach of Chinese culture but also deepened the cultural confidence of Chinese international students. For many, the process of preserving and sharing heritage strengthened their appreciation for cultural identity while reinforcing the importance of cross-cultural dialogue. This gala served as a bridge, fostering closer ties between China and the UK, bringing people together, and injecting new energy into grassroots cultural diplomacy and friendship.

「Global Perspectives, Shared Aspirations」

In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in technological innovation, economic development, and international collaboration, further enhancing its global influence. These achievements have inspired a sense of pride among Chinese international students, reinforcing their ambition to contribute meaningfully to society through knowledge, expertise, and cross-cultural collaboration. As active participants in a rapidly evolving world, young people are not only witnesses to progress but also key drivers of social and scientific advancement.

At this cross-cultural gathering, students voiced their aspirations, recognising that the new era presents unprecedented opportunities for youth. Personal growth is closely linked to global progress, and in the face of technological revolutions and societal transformations, young people must expand their knowledge, broaden their horizons, and respond to the needs of the times. Whether in innovation, cultural exchange, or international cooperation, they have an important role to play in shaping a more interconnected future.

In an increasingly globalised world, international students are not only engaging with new academic and professional opportunities but also fostering mutual understanding between cultures. As they navigate different societies, they gain deeper insights into diverse perspectives and shared challenges, equipping themselves to contribute to global progress. Through collaborative efforts in science, technology, and cultural dialogue, they are helping to build a future defined by openness, inclusivity, and cooperation—one where knowledge and innovation transcend borders to benefit all.

「Shaping the Future Together」

The successful staging of the Manchester Spring Festival & Lantern Festival Gala was not only a celebration of Chinese culture but also a testament to the enduring friendship between China and the UK. During the event, people from diverse cultural backgrounds came together in the festive spirit, embracing the joy of the occasion. Through music, dance, and shared traditions, they experienced the unique charm of Chinese culture, while cross-cultural interactions fostered deeper understanding and mutual appreciation. This cultural gathering not only highlighted the vibrancy of young overseas students but also underscored the crucial role of cultural exchange in strengthening global connections.

Looking ahead, students will continue to embrace international engagement, leveraging their strengths to enhance dialogue and collaboration. Through their academic and professional pursuits, they will foster innovation, cultural understanding, and global cooperation. More than just seekers of knowledge, they also serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting mutual respect and long-lasting friendships. With an open and inclusive outlook, they will contribute their insights to strengthen China-UK cooperation, while also playing an active role in building a more interconnected and harmonious world.

「Striving Forward, Embracing New Horizons」

As the New Year dawns, a new chapter unfolds. Standing at the crossroads of opportunity, young Chinese international students will continue to embrace diversity, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to global progress. Through mutual learning and collaboration, they will showcase confidence, take on new challenges, and harness their talents to drive innovation and understanding. With a spirit of ambition and responsibility, they will contribute to stronger international cooperation and play an active role in shaping a more connected and inclusive future.