Asian Events Trust secures Lee Kum Kee sponsorship to bring back Lunar New Year celebrations for Wellington
Asian Events Trust (AET) has announced they will organise a 2024 Lunar New Year Festival for Wellington.
This follows sponsorship from Lee Kum Kee, a globally renowned multinational company offering authentic Asian sauces and condiments. Acton International Marketing Ltd., who manages distribution and marketing of Lee Kum Kee products in New Zealand reached out to AET following news that Lunar New Year celebrations for 2024 in Wellington were cancelled to due to insufficient funding.
The festival will take place on the weekend of 17-18 February 2024 at Wellington’s TSB Arena and Shed 6, with food and craft stalls and a cultural entertainment programme. A waterfront parade followed by fireworks is also proposed, but this is subject to additional funding being secured.
Linda Lim, Asian Events Trust Chair says:
“We are delighted to be able to bring back Lunar New Year celebrations, a much-loved festival in Wellington’s cultural events calendar”.
“Sponsorship with Lee Kum Kee has enabled us to revive our plans to welcome back a significant celebration for Wellington in 2024. Lunar New Year celebrations were sorely missed by our communities following our decision to press pause in 2023.”
“Lee Kum Kee have been involved in past festivals. Their principal sponsorship of next year’s event highlights their commitment to cultural celebrations and recognition of the value of the event for our communities,” says Linda.
William Thomas, Executive Chair of Acton International Marketing Ltd. says:
“We were disappointed to learn of the cancellation of the event, and are very pleased that Lee Kum Kee will be supporting AET to ensure a celebration of the Lunar New Year in Wellington next year.”
“My father Ray Thomas founded Acton and as a Wellington local, Ray has been a long-term supporter of the festival. We are extremely proud that through our long-standing relationship with Lee Kum Kee we are able to support the continuation of this popular festival.
“We welcome in the Year of the Dragon in 2024, and this holds special significance for Asians, symbolising strength, prosperity and good fortune. This auspicious year adds an extra layer of interest and meaning to the festival.
“We know the festival will be a unique and memorable experience for all who attend,” says William.
Christine Lau, Associate Business Development Director, Lee Kum Kee (International) Trading Ltd. says:
“Lee Kum Kee regards its sauces as more than just a means of providing a superior culinary experience, but also as a bridge between Asian and Western food cultures. We are delighted to have the opportunity to connect and engage with communities by supporting this event.”
The Wellington Lunar New Year Festival attracts over 35,000 people to the event each year. The festival showcases the rich tapestry of Asian culture, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. The event brings Asians and non-Asians together to engage in and embrace an authentic celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Linda says, “as a community-led festival, Lee Kum Kee’s vision, Where there is people there is Lee Kum Kee, resonates strongly with AET and the aspirations we have for the festival.
“We are looking forward to working once again with the community to deliver a much-loved event for Wellington – whether this be as performers, stall holders or to support other groups and organisations to include their own Lunar New Year events in the festival programme.
“This partnership emphasises the shared commitment that AET and Lee Kum Kee have to the community, cultural enrichment and the joyous celebration of diversity and inclusion.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Thomas Family and Lee Kum Kee for making this possible. The Year of the Dragon makes this festival extra special. We can’t wait to bring the community together for a celebration like no other,” says Linda.
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2024 Lunar New Year Festival, 17 & 18 February 2024 at TSB Arena and Shed 6, Wellington. The full festival programme will be announced on 7 December 2023. For more information go to www.lunarnewyearfestival.co.nz, or email linda@asianeventstrust.co.nz. To arrange an interview, contact Linda Lim on 027 432 4269.