The beat of drums and clash of cymbals greeted lunchtime visitors to the Village Green in the Blacktown city centre last Friday.
Chinese Lion dancers raged through the park and around the nearby streets to mark the start of Lunar New Year celebrations throughout Blacktown City.
Starting with the lion dancers in the city centre, Blacktown City Council is celebrating the Lunar Year of the Ox in a COVID-safe, decentralised way.
In past years, spectacular celebrations have been held at the Chang Lai Garden at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. This year, residents can ring in the Year of the Ox simultaneously at Blacktown City Council's five leisure and aquatic centres.
Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Riverstone Swimming Centre, Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, and the Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton will each host Lunar New Year celebrations on Sunday, 28 February, between 1pm and 4pm
Decked in the spirit of Lunar New Year, the centres will host activities between 1pm and 4pm including lion dancing, live cultural performances, free craft workshops, food stalls, and roving performers.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM, said he was excited for all that the Year of the Ox would bring.
"Council will ensure we welcome the Year of the Ox in a way which is fun, family-friendly, and COVID-safe for everyone."
Residents wishing to attend the celebrations will have to register ahead as there will be a limit of 500 people at each venue. Entry is covered by the normal centre entrance fee or membership.
The cost is covered by centre entrance fee or membership. Bookings are essential and open Saturday, 21 February.
Details: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2021-Lunar-New-Year-Celebrations.
