Newcastle China Week will return for from Saturday the 17th until Sunday the 25th September to celebrate elements of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture.
From delectable Chinese cuisine to trade talks, blockbuster films both on the big screen and outdoors, and a bustling pop-up Chinatown in Hamilton with special guest MC Michael Hing, Newcastle China Week will delight, inspire and entertain over 30,000 locals and visitors with its program of events in 2016.
A shared experience of noodles, lanterns, films, conversations, lights and arts is set to spark the influence of our Chinese neighbours in this initiative by the University of Newcastle’s Confucius Institute. In partnership with the Newcastle City Council and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the celebration includes an all-day family festival on Beaumont Street, an engaging and relevant business forum and Chinese film festival at Tower Cinemas.
For the first time ever Newcastle China Week will also light up Hamilton with a hawker-style Noodle Night Market and outdoor cinema taking over the sprawling greens at Gregson Park, bringing the sights, sounds and smells of authentic Asian cuisine to the Hunter Region.
Rhys Palmer, University Director of Strategic Institution Relations (Greater China) said “Newcastle China Week celebrates our region’s growing economic, cultural and social ties with China and is a chance to experience and learn more about this fascinating country.”
“Many of our international students who choose to live in Newcastle while studying at the University are from China. On returning home they remember their time and experience in Newcastle with great fondness and are great ambassadors for Newcastle.”
“We are also seeing increasing Chinese investment, tourism and business development in Newcastle. The recent purchase of the Newcastle Jets Football Club by a Chinese consortium is one example.” Mr. Palmer said.
“We are very grateful for the support from the National Australia Bank and the Port of Newcastle. We look forward to more businesses and community organisations partnering with us to celebrate and create an opportunity-rich future for Newcastle through a strong Australia-China relationship.”
CHINA WEEK EVENTS
Noodle Night Market and Outdoor Cinema | Saturday 17th September
Newcastle China Week will be launched at twilight on Saturday 17th September at Gregson Park, Hamilton. There will be an array of Asian-influenced food trucks, DJ and solo sets from Sydney’s keytar superstar Dyan Tai and an outdoor cinema screening of ‘The Monkey King: The Hero is Back’ blockbuster for the whole family to enjoy.
Chinese Film Festival | Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th September
Experience China from a new perspective at Newcastle’s Tower Cinemas, with three contemporary Chinese films screening at 6pm nightly.
Chinese Business Forum | Thursday 22nd September
Get to know the growing business connections and opportunities between China and The Hunter Region from local and national industry specialists at NEX on Thursday 22nd of September.
Pop-Up Chinatown Street Festival | Sunday 25th September
The Newcastle China Week celebrations will conclude with a colourful and vibrant Shanghai-inspired marketplace on Beaumont Street from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 25th September. Hosted by comedian Michael Hing, the event will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, food stalls and interactive cultural activities and skills workshops.
For bookings and more details visit www.newcastlechinaweek.com
