Stockland Cairns welcomes Year of the Rat with lineup of family fun activities

Stockland Cairns is proud to be a major sponsor of this year’s annual Cairns & District Chinese Association Inc (CADCAI) Lantern Festival, and has organised a number of family fun activities in celebration of Lunar New Year.

Craig Piper, Regional Manager, Stockland Cairns, said that the activities at the centre were a chance for locals to experience the diversity of the community.

“We’re proud to be part of such a multicultural community and want to create opportunities for our customers that reflect such diversity.

“Being a major sponsor at the annual Lantern Festival and offering a lineup of in-centre activities for Lunar New Year are just some of the ways that we can show our customers that we listen, care, and want to curate experiences that add value to their lives.”

The celebrations will kick off on Saturday 25 January at 1pm with a traditional lion dance in front of the centre’s newest $2 million Lantern Lane.

For a gold coin donation, customers can show their Lunar New Year pride at the festive photo booth stocked with costumes and props, including a special lion cut out designed by local artist Hayley Gillespie. The photo booth will be located outside of Lantern Lane and will run on Thursday 30 January from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

Owner of Lantern Lane Jay Le will offer a free dumpling-making workshop on Sunday 2 February at 1pm, showing customers of all ages how to create their very own authentic dish. Spaces are limited and advanced booking is required.*

On Thursday 6 February, Stockland Cairns will also offer a lantern decorating workshop from 2.30pm to 6.30pm near Lantern Lane. Customers are able to purchase a floating lantern for $5 and decorate it with their wishes for the new year. Spaces are limited and advanced booking is required.**

The Lantern Festival will wrap up the festivities and is set to take place at the Chinese Friendship Gardens on Friday 7 February starting at 5pm. The community is encouraged to bring their own lanterns to release in Centenary Lakes.

*Please visit www.stockland.com.au/cairns to book your spot.