Shèngdàn kuàilè - Happy Christmas

Our Christmas gathering moved online this year, but it was still a fun, informative and entertaining chance for people to network and celebrate.

Bristol’s Lord Mayor Councillor Jos Clark was guest of honour sending a festive message to Bristol’s twin city Guangzhou.

She said: “We are nearing the end of a challenging year for all of us during which we have shared great pain and sorrow and now is the time to look forward to 2021 with hope that we may be able to meet our friends again in person.

“As we prepare to celebrate Christmas which to us in the UK is as special as your new year celebrations are to you, we are thinking of you all and wish you a Christmas that is merry and bright.”

Bureau director Richard Lowe of Hewlett Rand, a training and digital learning organisation, hosted the online event and hosted it with some 40 people joining. They all learned to say Merry Christmas in Chinese and sent a group Christmas message to friends and colleagues in China.

Entertainment was provided by Kala Cheung, who sang a new song she composed in lockdown, accompanying herself on the piano. The Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School, Mark Stringer, presented a performance by his music students.

He then attempted to get a performance out of all those online with group Christmas Carol singing session to add to the fun.

Deniz Bayram, wine expert and hospitality professional, shared his mulled wine recipe.

The evening, which also included a chance for networking, ended with film of a spectacular drone display to music from Guangzhou.