Group puts on a colourful show for Chinese New Year
Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms were transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour as a community group celebrated Chinese New Year in style.
Ayrshire Lok Oi Association, made up mainly of members of the Cantonese community, hosted the celebration to welcome the Year of the Snake.
The association was set up at the Volunteer Rooms after two separate Chinese groups - Lok Fu Chinese Elderly Group and Oi Kwan Chinese Women’s Group - amalgamated.
This was achieved with support from North Ayrshire Council’s Connected Communities service.
On Monday 3 February, the group - chaired by Joe Chan - welcomed Depute Provost John Sweeney and guests to enjoy food, traditional costumes, mainly in red as this is considered to be a lucky colour and an eye-catching lion dance.
The lion dance is hoped to bring good luck, prosperity and peace, and when it was over Depute Provost Sweeney was given the honour of dotting paint onto the lions’ eyes, noses, ears and bodies to signify life-giving.
Quote: It was an immense pleasure to join the special celebration marking Chinese New Year and welcoming the Year of the Snake. I am fortunate to visit many groups and organisations across the area and witness first-hand the incredible work carried out by volunteers. I am continually inspired by the dedication and commitment of those who work tirelessly to benefit others. Events like these promote friendship and unity, strengthening the bonds with our community. And I thoroughly enjoy everything – from the traditional dancing to the delicious food. It was an honour to be invited, and I wish the Association good luck with their future events and activities.
Quote from: Councillor John Sweeney, Depute Provost of North Ayrshire
Chinese New Year – also known as Lunar New Year - was on 29 January.
Mr Chan said: “Our celebration was held to bring about protection, good luck, health, and prosperity for everyone.
“It was a fantastic afternoon, and I would like to thank all of the guests who came along, and in particular Councillor Sweeney – who was a great sport by taking part in the eye-dotting ceremony.
“Also, I would like to thank the council for its support, which has allowed us to create the association to promote the health and well-being of members of the Cantonese community – and all ethnic minority groups - across Ayrshire.”
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, added: “Community organisations help to bring people from all walks of life together, and I hope Mr Chan and the committee have continued success.”
To find out more about Ayrshire Lok Oi Association, you can send an email to the group or call this mobile number.
Published: 07 February 2025