Lion dancing at Buddha Restaurant for Chinese New Year

The Buddha Restaurant, on Colenzo drive, owned by Ditsun Lieng, held a special lion dancing ceremony and meal for its customers on Sunday, February 22, lighting up the street to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year.

Organised by resident, Ronnie Hoo, 82, the event was held outside the restaurant, for the second year, at 12.30pm. Esteemed guests including Test Valley Mayor, Cllr Gordon Bailey, and mayoress Karen Hamilton also came to show their support.

After the lion dancing, guests went in to have lunch at the restaurant, which offered a variety of dishes including duck pancakes, sesame toast, chicken satay, sweet and sour chicken and more. While eating, the lion dancing and music continued.

Esteemed guests having lunch provided by the Buddha Restaurant. (Image: Eve Thompson)

Mr Hoo said: "It has been fantastic- a really good event. The lion dances are amazing and it's great to see so many people. It is stressful organising it but I really enjoyed the day- It is nice to have the mayor here too."

Chris Newman, attendee and resident, said: "It is great. It's the second one I have been to here and it's always a fun event. The lion dancing is especially good."

Cllr Gordon Bailey said: "It was surprising, I didn't expect a dragon. It was very good and very entertaining, the food was also excellent and the owners and organisers are great. I'd definitely come again."

The celebrations are viewed as a way to invite good fortune into people's lives for the New Lunar Year. Chinese New Year, celebrated globally, is also known for family reunions and hearty meals, alongside a focus on personal and professional goals for the year ahead.

The Chinese New Year starts on Tuesday, February 17 and concludes with the Lantern Festival on Tuesday, March 3. 2026 is the Year of the Horse according to the Lunar Calendar.