Bristol’s Chinese community and local businesses joined together to welcome the Year of the Snake at a special New Year banquet.

Wong’s Restaurant in Denmark Street hosted the Bristol and West of England China Bureau’s annual New Year event, with traditional Chinese lion dancers welcoming guests to their tables.

Bureau chair Dianne Francombe OBE opened proceedings with a toast to “community, insight and partnership” and pointed out that next year will be the 25th anniversary of the twin city relationship between Bristol and Guangzhou, which led to the group’s formation.

She said: “Community insight and partnership are the pillars that guide our work. These are not just words; they are qualities we develop and nurture together, and they form the foundation of everything we do.

“It is the collective spirit of everyone here tonight that makes this gathering so special. We are a community that thrive on collaboration, fostering relationships that are vital to strengthening our bonds with China.

“Each of you brings unique perspectives, knowledge and expertise to inspire us. By sharing these, we deepen our understanding and connections, both with China and within the broader business community.

“True dialogue and lasting friendships can only happen through partnership. It is essential that we continue to build these relationships, as they allow us to grow together.”

The guest of honour at the event was the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Andrew Varney, who said he had lived in Hong Kong in 1989 and travelled around China, including Guangzhou, Guilin, Beijing and the Great Wall.

“Bristol has such a rich cultural mix and the Chinese community is an integral part of that. And in recent years of course, there has been a big influx of Chinese students to the city which has added to this even further,” he said.

Among the other guests were Jo Midgley, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of England; Derek Pickup, chair of Bristol International Twinning Association; Alderman Royston Griffey; the directors of the China Bureau and officials from the Chinese Students’ Associations at Bristol’s two universities.