Leading figures from Bristol’s business community will celebrate the growing links between the city and China next month at a special banquet to mark the start of the Chinese Year of the Snake.
Staged by the Bristol and West of England China Bureau, the annual event brings together firms and professionals doing business in China with politicians and representatives from a wide range of Chinese organisations. 
Bristol’s Lord Mayor is traditionally the guest of honour at the event and the current office holder, Cllr Andrew Varney, will speak at the banquet on 26 February about the close relationship between the city and China.
The event, the Bristol and West of England China Bureau’s annual showpiece, is again being staged at Wong’s Restaurant on Denmark Street.
Guests will not only enjoy authentic Chinese food and hospitality, but also learn about the significance of the Year of the Snake.
The bureau was created as the Bristol China Partnership in 1998 when Bristol City Council and local businesses saw the need to build a strong and lasting partnership with China.
Three years later it facilitated the signing of the ‘sister city’ agreement between Bristol and Guangzhou, China’s third largest city.
Since then, business, cultural and academic links between Bristol, Guangzhou, the wider Guangdong region and other Chinese cities have been strengthened.
Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe OBE said: “Our annual gala banquet brings together civic dignitaries, representatives of businesses and organisations engaging with China, students and others to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
“An evening of good food and conversation is guaranteed and we look forward to welcoming the Year of the Snake in style with our friends and colleagues.”
To find out more about the China Bureau or attend the banquet, email dianne@chinabureau.co.uk
