Dragon Boat Festival Party, Free Event 端午节

When is Duan Wu Festival?

The Duan Wu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This year, it falls on Saturday, 31st May 2025.

When and Where is the Party?

Date and Time: Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Venue:  St Andrew's United Reformed Church, 80 Upper Hanover St, Broomhall, Sheffield S3 7RQ. 

Registration for FREE Entry – Please help us plan by registering through Google Form , or Scan QR code above.

This free, family-friendly event welcomes everyone – no matter your background – to discover the heart-warming spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival through hands-on experiences, cultural traditions, festive food, and joyful performances.

What Is the Duan Wu Festival and Why Do We Celebrate It?

The Duan Wu Festival has been celebrated in China for over 2,000 years. It commemorates the life and legacy of Qu Yuan, a beloved poet and statesman of ancient China. Known for his patriotism and integrity, Qu Yuan became a symbol of loyalty and resistance against corruption.

When he drowned in despair, villagers raced out in boats to try to save him, throwing zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) into the river to keep fish and spirits away. This gave rise to the dragon boat races and traditional customs we continue to honour today.

Over time, the festival has also come to symbolize the importance of health, protection from illness, and family well-being – themes that are deeply cherished in communities around the world.

Event Highlights & Programme

Part 1: Festive Food and Cultural Workshops
Explore and Create! Wander through interactive cultural stations to taste, craft, and learn together!

• Zongzi Making & Tasting
  Learn to wrap sticky rice dumplings in green leaves and enjoy a bite of tradition.
• Chinese Brush Calligraphy
  Try your hand at writing meaningful blessings like:
  • 健康 (Health)
  • 平安 (Peace)
  • 快乐 (Joy)
  • 安康 (Wellbeing)
• Five-Coloured Bracelets
  Weave your own symbolic bracelet for protection and blessings.
• Arts & Crafts Corner
  Make paper dragon boats, folding fans, and festive decorations to take home.

Part 2: Stage Play – The Spirit of the Dragon Boat
Join an interactive play! Travel through time with a live multilingual performance!

• The legend of Qu Yuan with excerpts from Li Sao (in Mandarin & English)
• A heartfelt family scene celebrating Duan Wu in the UK
• Conversations with grandparents in China
• Audience blessings and interactive moments

Part 3: Festival Presentation and Quiz
Listen, Learn, and Win! Enjoy a short presentation featuring festival dialogues that bring Dragon Boat traditions to life — then test your knowledge in a fun quiz for a chance to win surprise prizes!

Part 4: Open Mic Celebration 
The stage is open! Whether you're a performer or just full of joy, everyone’s invited to share something with the community!

You can:

• Play an instrument
• Sing a song (Chinese or English!)
• Recite a poem or share a favourite talk
• Perform a short skit or dance
• Tell a family festival story
• Show off your workshop creations

Our stage is open for joy, connection, and celebration!

端午安康!
Duan-Wu-An-Kang – Wishing you peace, health, and wellbeing this Dragon Boat Festival!