May Fayre Fun - Sunday 21 May

The Sheffield Confucius Institute shone last Sunday, May 21 at the annual May Fayre at Weston Park. The May Fayre was jointly organised by Sheffield City Council and the University of Sheffield and attracted up to 10,000 visitors.

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The May Fayre was jointly organised by Sheffield City Council and the University of Sheffield and attracted up to 10,000 visitors, who came through to enjoy stalls, exhibitions and performances from groups and organisations across Sheffield society.

Teachers set up at start of day
Teachers set up at start of day

The Sheffield Confucius Institute was in the thick of it! After setting up next to the museum in Weston Park, we set about attracting visitors to our busy stalls, manned by our dedicated sponsored teachers. We had a calligraphy stall, a Chinese paper cutting stall, a Chinese costume wearing station and a shop selling excellent Chinese cultural items and trinkets. 

SCI stall busy with activities
SCI stall busy with activities

The Chinese drum was a smash with the kids, who were playing it all day non-stop - every hour or so, our brave team members would pick up the SCI dragon and parade it around the park - these activities were hugely popular with the kids, and the parents too! 

Teacher Lina and SCI Deputy Director, Dr Zhang at the shopping stall
Teacher Lina and SCI Deputy Director, Dr Zhang at the shopping stall

This event was a great way to exhibit the fun, friendly and inclusive ethos of the Sheffield Confucius Institute, and to talk to the public about the nature of our learning platforms and cultural activities. During the day, we gave out small booklets to members of the public which allowed them to stamp the SCI activities they attended in order to get a shot at our lucky draw to potentially win prizes! 

Booklet
Activity booklet with available activities

Chinese Calligraphy

This was a massively popular stall. Locals are entranced by the nature of Chinese calligraphy, by its grace, beauty and attachment to the image and soul of China. Our teachers were busy all day managing this stall with event goers transfixed by the art. 

Teacher Jiaxing administers the calligraphy stall
Teacher Jiaxing administers the calligraphy stall
Teacher Junchi instructs at the calligraphy stall
Teacher Junchi instructs at the calligraphy stall

Chinese Paper Folding

Like our calligraphy stall, this activity draws adults and children alike into the therapeutic world of Chinese paper folding. Some stall goers were there cutting paper for over half an hour! 

Chinese paper folding stall
Chinese paper folding stall
Teacher Yanan attends paper folding stall
Teacher Yanan attends paper folding stall

Chinese Costume Wearing 

Men, women, boys and girls alike loved trying on our Chinese qipaos and other outfits before taking photos. Nothing gets you more in the spirit than wearing a period costume! 

Teacher Qian shows off a costume
Teacher Qian shows off a costume
Chinese costumes on display
Chinese costumes on display
Chinese costumes on the stall
Chinese costumes on the stall

Chinese shopping stall

Everything from bracelets to purses, pouches, pandas and keyrings were on display for our stall goers, who were complimentary about the taste and variety of what was on offer. 

Shopping stall items on display
Shopping stall items on display
Teacher Lina by the shop stall
Teacher Lina by the shop stall

Chinese Dragon Dancing 

Our charismatic dragon took a few flights around Weston Park - an absolute delight for children and their parents, all in rhythm to the beat of the big Chinese drum. 

Chinese Dragon waiting patiently to be picked up
Chinese Dragon waiting patiently to be picked up
Chinese dragon in full flight
Chinese dragon in full flight

All in all our day at the May Fayre was a great success. We want to thank Sheffield City Council for allowing us to have a space, the University of Sheffield for all its support in all our activity and for the general public who enjoyed our stalls on the day. We’re looking forward to the next! 

SCI Coordinator Dr Xinqun Hu mid-activity
SCI Coordinator Dr Xinqun Hu mid-activity

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