Welcoming the Year of the Snake

Bristol’s Chinese community and businesses joined together for a fantastic celebration at our New Year Banquet to welcome the Year of the Snake.

There was a party atmosphere at Wong’s Restaurant in Denmark Street with traditional Dragon Dancers welcoming guests to their tables.

Bureau Chair Dianne Francombe OBE started proceedings with a toast to “community, insight and partnership” and pointed out that next year will be the 25th anniversary of the twin city relationship between Bristol and Guangzhou which led to the formation of the organisation.

She said: Community insight and partnership are the pillars that guide our work. These are not just words; they are qualities we develop and nurture together, and they form the foundation of everything we do.

“It is the collective spirit of everyone here tonight that makes this gathering so special. We are a community that thrive on collaboration, fostering relationships that are vital to strengthening our bonds with China.

“Each of you brings unique perspectives, knowledge and expertise to inspire us. By sharing these, we deepen our understanding and connections, both with China and within the broader business community.

“True dialogue and lasting friendships can only happen through partnership. It is essential that we continue to build these relationships, as they allow us to grow together.”

Guest of honour was the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Andrew Varney, who said: "Bristol has such a rich cultural mix and the Chinese community is an integral part of that. And in recent years of course, there has been a big influx of Chinese students to the city which has added to this even further.

"I lived in Hong Kong in 1989 and had the privilege of travelling around China, including Guangzhou, Guilin, Beijing and the Great Wall.”

Among the other honoured guests were Jo Midgley, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of England; Derek Pickup, Chair of Bristol International Twinning Association; Alderman Royston Griffey; the directors of the China Bureau and officials from the Chinese Students Associations of Bristol’s two universities.