The Mid-Autumn Festival, held in mid-September 2023 at the Alumni Lawn, was one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve had the pleasure of being part of. As a volunteer for this event, I was excited to see how everything we had planned would come together. Spoiler alert: it was magical.
From the moment people arrived, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. We greeted attendees with a free mooncake upon registration – the perfect treat to kick off the evening. Seeing everyone’s faces light up as they received their mooncake made all the preparation worth it.
One of my favourite parts of the event was the lantern painting and calligraphy stalls. It was amazing to watch people from all walks of life come together to create something beautiful. Some guests painted lanterns with intricate designs, while others tried their hand at calligraphy, carefully crafting each stroke. It was a great way to learn cultural traditions and make everyone feel included, no matter their background.
And then, of course, there was the food! The ticket not only gave attendees entry to the event but also included a delicious combo of bubble tea and dumplings. The food stalls were constantly buzzing, and it was clear that everyone was having a blast – myself included!
One of the night’s most captivating moments was the Chinese dragon dance. Watching the vibrant, colourful dragon weave through the crowd was truly mesmerising. The dance brought an extra layer of energy and cultural richness to the festival, leaving everyone in awe.
We all gathered under the stars to watch "Over the Moon." As a volunteer, it was such a rewarding experience to see everyone enjoying the movie together. There was something truly special about watching this touching film surrounded by a community that felt like family.
The night was filled with laughter, art, and unforgettable moments. But what truly made the experience special for me was the amazing team I had the privilege to work with. From the moment I joined, I felt incredibly welcomed. Everyone on the team was always eager to lend a hand, and it wasn’t uncommon for us to playfully compete over who got to take on a task. Being surrounded by such caring and dedicated people made volunteering a joy, and I’m so proud to be part of this team.
Reflecting on the festival, I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of something that brought so much joy to others. If you’re looking for a way to connect with people, experience different cultures, and just have a great time, I can’t recommend the Culture Cafe events enough. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the next one!
Until then, I’ll be cherishing the memories made at this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Hope to see you at our next event!
