08 Feb 2019

Commuters at Bangor train station were surprised with a dazzling lion dance performance in celebration of Chinese New Year.

In celebration of Chinese New Year, commuters at Bangor train station were today (Friday 8 February) treated to a surprise ‘Lion Dance’ performance on the station platform.

Organised by Transport for Wales and British Transport Police, staff from The Garden Hotel & Cantonese Restaurant in Bangor were invited to put on the dazzling performance to passing commuters, a traditional ceremony in Chinese culture said to bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.

The unexpected performance saw two dancers dressed in a traditional Chinese lion costume, a Buddha – said to tame the lion and protect its people – accompanied by musicians playing drums and a cymbalist.

The event arrived just in time for the town’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations arranged by Bangor University’s Confucius Institute on Saturday 9 February, which marks The Year of the Earth Pig.

Sandra Lui, event organiser of the Lion Dance from The Garden Hotel & Cantonese Restaurant in Bangor, said: “Chinese New Year is a time for families to be together, celebrate a new start and clear out any bad luck for the new year.

“The Lion Dance symbolises power and wisdom, as well as the removal of evil spirits to be replaced with happiness, so we were delighted to bring this tradition to passengers at Bangor train station. We hope those who watched the performance enjoyed it and that it brings them good wealth for the year ahead.”

Andrew Baker, Station Support Manager at Bangor train station, said: “We were delighted to be able to host this traditional Chinese performance at Bangor train station to surprise our customers, and hope it brought some positivity to their day.

“This is all part of our long-term plans to ensure our customers are better connected with both people and communities, and we’re committed to delivering a railway service that our customers can enjoy and be proud of.”  

Kelvin Rowlands, British Transport Police in Bangor, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the Chinese lion dancers to Bangor train station and a privilege to share the celebrations within the diverse community of Bangor”.

2019 is the Chinese Year of the Pig and the Lion Dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performer’s mimic a lion’s movement in costume to bring good luck and fortune.

For more information about Transport for Wales Rail Services, please visit www.tfw.wales.