Queensmere Observatory shopping centre in Slough is celebrating the Year of the Rat this Saturday with a traditional Chinese lion dance, said to bring good luck and fortune to all in attendance.

This is the first in a series of events at the centre, called ‘mini melās’ which will observe important community festivals throughout 2020.

Visitors to the shopping centre this weekend will see a traditional Chinese New Year celebration with breath-taking performances from authentic Chinese Lion Dancers. The dancers will be performing at intervals between 12pm and 2pm.

Each mini melā during the year will reflect and celebrate the diverse mix of cultures which make up the shopping centre’s community. The term melā comes from the Sanskrit word for a gathering or village fair and traditionally members of the community would contribute everything from food to entertainment. For this weekend's event the lion dance is being brought to shoppers by the Hulutang group.

Chris Shaw, Centre Manager at Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre, commented: “We are thrilled to be launching this series of community activities with an exciting Chinese New Year event. As a centre at the heart of a diversity community, we will be hosting multi-cultural community events throughout 2020. We can’t wait for shoppers to see everything we have lined up for the coming year and we can think of no better way to kick things off than with this incredible performance we’re certain shoppers will love.”