COMMUTERS had the lion's share when it came to surprises at Bangor railway station on Friday.

To celebrate Chinese New Year passengers were treated to an unexpected ‘Lion Dance’ performance on the station platform.

Organised by Transport for Wales and British Transport Police, staff from The Garden Hotel and Cantonese Restaurant in Bangor were invited to put on the show.

The Lion Dance is a traditional ceremony in Chinese culture and said to bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.

The surprise show saw two dancers dressed in a traditional Chinese lion costume and as a Buddha, said to tame the lion and protect its people, accompanied by musicians playing drums and a cymbalist.

The station stunt, comes just before Bangor's annual Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday.

They have been arranged by Bangor University’s Confucius Institute on Saturday, February 9. This year celebrates the Year of the Earth Pig.

Sandra Lui, event organiser of the Lion Dance, from The Garden Hotel and Cantonese Restaurant said: “Chinese New Year is a time for families to be together, celebrate a new start and clear out any bad luck for the new year.

“The Lion Dance symbolises power and wisdom, as well as the removal of evil spirits to be replaced with happiness, so we were delighted to bring this tradition to passengers at Bangor train station.

"We hope those who watched the performance enjoyed it and that it brings them good wealth for the year ahead.”

Andrew Baker, Station Support Manager at Bangor train station, said: “We were delighted to be able to host this traditional Chinese performance at Bangor train station to surprise our customers, and hope it brought some positivity to their day.

“This is all part of our long-term plans to ensure our customers are better connected with both people and communities, and we’re committed to delivering a railway service that our customers can enjoy and be proud of.”

Kelvin Rowlands, British Transport Police in Bangor, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the Chinese lion dancers to Bangor train station and a privilege to share the celebrations within the diverse community of Bangor”.

2019 is the Chinese Year of the Pig and the Lion Dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performer’s mimic a lion’s movement in costume to bring good luck and fortune.

For more information about Transport for Wales Rail Services, please visit www.tfwrail.wales.