January 31, 2012 4.03 pm This story is over 145 months old

Steep Hill celebrations kicked off with Chinese New Year event

Happy New Year: A Chinese celebration kick-starts plenty of events happening on Steep Hill this year.

A series of events to celebrate Steep Hill’s crown as the best UK street in 2012 were kicked off on Tuesday with Chinese New Year entertainment.

The event, put on by the City Council and Lincoln BIG, saw Chinese-themed tents set up in The Strait at the bottom of Steep Hill, offering treats such as New Year red envelopes, sweets and names in Chinese calligraphy.

Meanwhile, Chinese fire crackers were lit up at the bottom of Steep Hill, followed by a lion dance.

In Chinese culture, the dragon or lion’s loud and aggressive dance is said to banish away any bad spirits from the previous year.

Lincoln BIG’s Matt Corrigan said: “Lincoln has a small but active Chinese community. Today you can get your name written in Chinese calligraphy and get other gifts and portraits.”

He explained the event is one of many throughout the year celebrating Steep Hill gaining the Best UK Street title from the Academy of Urbanism.

“We will have plenty of events around the hill this year.

“The first Saturday of each month we’re going to have our new artists’ market, featuring over 25 artists as well as the Farmers’ Market.

“We will also have lots of other festivals and activities — busking festivals, Punch and Judy, Morris Dancing competitions, 10k run, the Sausage Festival and of course, the Christmas Market.”

Two Chinese lions dance for a gathering crowd in The Strait.

Lincoln BIG chief Matt Corrigan talking about other upcoming events to showcase Steep Hill’s vibrancy.
Photos: Dominic Clark for The Lincolnite