A show combining sand painting and folk dancing from Dunhuang, Gansu province marks the opening of the Spring Festival gala in Oxford, UK on Jan 31. [Photo/cztv.com]

A Spring Festival gala took place at the Oxford Town Hall in Oxford, UK on Jan 31 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

A group of 60 international students from Oxford Chinese Students & Scholars Association (OXCSSA) at the University of Oxford organized the gala for both overseas Chinese and locals to celebrate the Chinese holiday.

A variety of attractive performances were staged, including flash mobs, comedy sketches, traditional Dunhuang folk dances from Gansu province, a piano performance by Leo Bailey Yang and a singing performance from the Out of the Blue Chorus of Oxford. Chinese traditional paper-cutting artworks were displayed and sold for charity before the gala, creating a festive atmosphere in the ancient town hall.

Performers included overseas Chinese living in the UK, professional troupes and even famous stars. Students devoted a lot of time to selecting performances, negotiating with performers, looking for sponsors and designing stage effects.

Ru Binxin, from Shaoxing city in Zhejiang, was the chief director of the gala. As a senior student at Oxford, he has participated in the organization of the Spring Festival gala for four consecutive years.

Corrine Yin, a 21-year-old from Zhejiang's capital of Hangzhou, was the deputy director of the gala. She said, "The Spring Festival has a special meaning to all Chinese people. Though we have to study during this meaningful time, we still hope to celebrate the New Year with some festive activities."

The gala was a huge success, attracting more than 500 people to attend. Famous Chinese stars, such as Lin Chi-Ling and Lang Lang, also sent VCR greetings to the audience.