Birmingham's Chinese New Year celebrations move online due to pandemic
Thousands of people usually attend events in the city
Last updated 12th Feb 2021
Chinese New Year celebrations are going virtual this year because of the pandemic.
Celebrations which would usually attract tens of thousands of people won't be happening and instead festivities are moving online.
In Birmingham, the celebrations are being live-streamed, on YouTube and Facebook from 6pm.
It's being hosted by James Wong who's the Chair of the Chinese Festival Committee and owner of Chung Ying restaurant in China Town.
Ahead of the celebrations, we caught up with him to see what's planned:
Hows it's going to be different this year?
Historically it's always been a live show in China Town, but due to the restrictions we're bringing the celebrations online, into their living rooms through their mobiles, laptops or computers.
Has this been done before?
We did the mid-Autumn festival online which was three months ago, it was a steep learning curve.
This time it will be a bit more polished and a lot better.
It will be the first time I've hosted something like this all by myself.
What can people expect to see?
We've got shows, performances from all around the world.
We've got celebrity chefs talking to us live with a cooking demonstrations.
We've got people who have contributed to the past Chinese New Year festivals.
We will be talking about the different cultures that associates with the Chinese New Year.
It's very different where people can't mingle.
Seeing a lion dance is always the highlight of the celebrations, but unfortunately we can't do that, but hopefully we can bring that to you through the screen and into your home.
Usually, there are tens of thousands people around and enjoying the show on the main stage.
It's been a different kind of work bringing it to the screen.
How has the last year been for you?
It's been hard for everyone, not just the Chinese community.
We've been doing takeaway from my restaurant from day one.
Historically the restaurant would be packed full of people, all the families want to come out and enjoy the festivities and meet their family or friends and come out to eat.
But now, it's just takeaway.
There will be a lot of eating at home and cooking at home instead of coming out to the restaurant to enjoy.
We're doing around 75% less than what we would usually do at my business, we're all trying to hang on in there until the restrictions are lifted.
Why is it important the celebrations still go ahead?
I think despite what's happening around the world, culture is something we should not lose sight off.
It's super important for the next generation to carry on the tradition.
One of the things I'm very proud of is the support I have from the community.
We've got loads of videos with people sending greetings from all around the world.
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