Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節

Join the Youth Collective as they curate a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節 with music, myths and mooncakes!

Each year Chinese communities gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節 during the autumn harvest, which is held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, on a full moon.

At its brightest the full moon is a symbol of reunion and togetherness for Chinese communities. The moon features in the myths and traditions of the festival, which include eating mooncakes and lighting lanterns. Join us as we celebrate this important date in the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a varied programme including craft activities, music, myths, mooncakes, shadow puppetry, calligraphy, fashion and more!

This event is part of the public programme accompanying the Citi exhibition China's hidden century (open until 8 October). Our thanks to everyone involved in producing this event.

To mark the autumn harvest we've teamed up with Camden Foodbank who will be collecting food donations on Friday 29 September.

They will be collecting between 16.30 and 19.00, as visitors enter the Museum grounds at the Great Russell Street entrance. If you are entering the Museum during these times, you are invited to make a food donation. Camden Foodbank urgently needs tinned fish, tinned meat, tinned fruit, tea bags, biscuits, soap and shower gel. All food donations would be gratefully appreciated.

To attend this event

• All activities will be free, just drop-in unless otherwise stated. The full programme will be available soon.
• Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please approach a member of staff near the seating if you have access requirements.
• Book a free general admission ticket in advance for guaranteed entry to the Museum.
• The Main entrance is on Great Russell Street. Your timed ticket allows you to explore the permanent collection during your visit. See the Visit page for more information. Last general admission entry to the Museum on Friday 29 September is 19.00.
• Please allow time to go through a security check which includes a bag check upon entry to the Museum.
• This event will be held at full capacity. In line with current government and NHS guidance, face masks are not mandatory but guests are welcome to wear them if they wish.