On Sunday, February 10th, Sovereign Hill will celebrate the Victorian goldfields’ deep Chinese cultural history and host free, all-day festivities to welcome the Chinese New Year. The award-winning outdoor museum, in conjunction with the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat, will offer a series of traditional hands-on activities including vibrant parades with lions and dragons, ceremonies and performances to welcome the Year of the Snake.  A highlight of the program will be performances from the Chinese Orchestra from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, the world’s first Chinese orchestral group formed by Western school students.

Sovereign Hill’s Chinese culture dates back to 1855 when thousands of Chinese migrants were living and working in the Ballarat goldfields. Chinese miners brought with them numerous traditions which have been incorporated into Sovereign Hill’s daily activities and performances and are reflected in the museum’s own Chinese Camp.

Sovereign Hill’s Chinese New Year celebrations will include:

Chinese Orchestra
Sovereign Hill will host the internationally renowned Chinese Orchestra from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, the first orchestral group in the world to be formed by Western school students. Established in 1990, the PEGS Chinese Orchestra have performed over 80 concerts and were invited to perform by the Taiwanese government in acknowledgement of their talent and tribute to Chinese culture. Visitors to Sovereign Hill can enjoy this multicultural and internationally successful group’s participation for two performances celebrating the Chinese New Year.
Victoria Theatre 11:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm

Chinese New Year Ceremony in the Chinese Camp with the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat
Welcome the Year of the Snake with a traditional Chinese ceremony in the Temple
Chinese Temple 10:15am – 11:00am

Anti-Chinese League
The Victoria Theatre is an educational and entertainment hub with an interpretive theatrical event recreating a meeting to ban the Chinese and debate racism.
Victoria Theatre 12:00 noon

Chinese Dragon and Lion Parade
In honour of traditional Chinese celebrations, Sovereign Hill’s Main Street will come alive with the Chinese dragon, Xin Long as well as dancers and Chinese lions welcoming the New Year.
Sovereign Hill Main Street 12:15pm-12:45pm

Performances
Discover the importance of the Chinese Year of the Snake and enjoy colourful performances of ribbon dancing, fan dancing, Tai Chi and even a lion dance workshop.
Victoria Theatre 1:00pm-1:30pm and 2:00pm-2:30pm

Hands-On Activities
Visitors to the Chinese New Year can partake in traditional hands-on activities such as creating their own Chinese snake, making a lucky money envelope or red scroll and learn Chinese calligraphy. Children can also have their face painted as Chinese opera characters and participate in the fantastic hands-on activities all day.
Horse Bazaar, Main Street of Sovereign Hill, 11.00 – 12.00, 1.00 - 3.30

Wishing Tree
Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum will also be home to a Wishing Tree. The Wishing Tree allows visitors to make their New Year wishes and resolutions, and hopefully they all come true!
All day (at the Gold Museum)