No other Melbourne destination celebrates the Lunar New Year quite like Crown Melbourne, and this year is no different. As we bring in the Year of the White Rat, Melbourne’s favorutie entertainment destination is transforming its Southbank precinct, to present quite the spectacular celebration lineup.
The Lunar New Year festivities will be launched on Thursday 23 January at 10am amongst the Zodiac Spectacular display in the Atrium by Xavier Walsh – COO Crown Melbourne, Robert Chong OAM and Josh Bull MP representing the Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Welcoming in the energy and optimism widely associated with the Year of the Rat, the launch will
showcase the traditional Lion Dance with the ‘Dotting of the Eye’ ceremony spreading good luck for the year ahead.
Renowned as Melbourne’s go-to destination for Lunar New Year festivities, Crown has celebrated the annual festival for more than 20 years, with this year’s program continuing to offer an abundance of entertainment and excitement for the entire family.
Bringing the bustling streets of Asia to Melbourne for three days only, the Hawkers’ Bazaar festival will transform the Crown Riverwalk, kicking off from Friday, 31 January. More than 30 market stalls will showcase authentic culinary delights and traditional trinkets, while roving performers, musical acts from international and Australian superstars, and vibrant lion and dragon dances will bring the Riverwalk to life.
This year for the second time at Hawkers’ Bazaar, you can also celebrate Lunar New Year at the dedicated live music venue, the Kirin Sound Bar. The Asian-inspired venue will boast some of Melbourne’s best musicians playing cruisy acoustic tunes by day, and becoming a vibrant entertainment hub at night.
Crown Atrium will also transform into a Chinese zodiac wonderland with larger-than-life luminous animal sculptures cascading down the Atrium staircase. Representing all twelve of the Chinese zodiac signs, the three-week installation dubbed ‘Zodiac Spectacular’ will feature an aerial structure of more than 60 lanterns floating from the ceiling. Guests can get amongst all the action of the Zodiac Spectacular from Wednesday, 22 January until Tuesday, 11 February.
Chief Operating Officer of Crown Melbourne, Xavier Walsh, says Lunar New Year is, and always will be, one of the complex’s most impressive annual activations, elevated each year to new heights.
“Crown Melbourne has been the proud home of Lunar New Year celebrations for more than two decades, and we are committed to showcasing both traditional and unique festivities that offer something for the whole family. This year’s program is set to be better than ever, ringing in the 2020 Lunar New Year in true Crown style,” says Walsh.
Guests can also celebrate the prosperous Year of the Rat with a feast at Crown Melbourne’s impressive array of restaurants.
The offering includes Silks showcasing the finest in traditional Chinese New Year dishes, and an international and seafood buffet at Mesh or The Conservatory. Bookings are essential to experience these impressive dining celebrations, whilst toasting to prosperity at Crown Melbourne.
