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The Chinese community in Woking is preparing to see in the New Lunar Year today (Friday 12 February)
Unfortunately, the national lockdown has meant that families and friends not in the same household will not be able to come together in large numbers to celebrate.
Cllr Ayesha Azad, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Similar to other religious and cultural groups whose annual festivals have been muted throughout the pandemic, it’s clear that Chinese New Year celebrations will be very different this year to normal. Usually, this weekend we would be enjoying a parade of traditional dancers, in colourful costumes, working their way through the town centre. Of course, this cannot happen this year.
“Nevertheless, we wish our Chinese community a very happy and prosperous new year and encourage them to celebrate with loved ones virtually or within social bubbles.
“This year is the Year of the Ox so let’s hope that we all take some encouragement from the theme of persistence and determination associated with this animal, as we move closer to spring, the continuation of the vaccine programme and the eventual lifting of lockdown restrictions for all.”
For more information on current Covid-19 restrictions visit www.woking.gov.uk/coronavirus