(Minghui.org) On August 15-16, 2026, a long, golden dragon undulated through the crowds in the park to the beat of drums. Children gathered around excitedly, some following along with the dragon dance, others picking up drumsticks to try out the Chinese drum. Not far away, Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrated the relaxing exercises which attracted many tourists who stopped and learned. Some even started to follow along and do the exercises.
This is a scene from the Magic of Thailand cultural festival held at Preston Park in Brighton, UK. The weekend cultural festival toured several cities around the UK, and attracted locals with Thai cuisine, traditional music and dance, martial arts, and handicrafts. Nearly 100 stalls lined the event in Brighton, drawing tens of thousands of attendees over the two-day event.
Falun Dafa practitioners have been invited to participate in this grand cultural event for five consecutive years. This year, besides introducing Falun Dafa on the main stage and demonstrating the five sets of exercises, practitioners also performed the dragon dance and waist drums.
Practitioners were invited to demonstrate the exercises at the Magic of Thailand cultural festival in Brighton on August 15-16, 2026. (Minghui.org)
Introducing Chinese Traditional Culture Through the Dragon Dance
The golden dragon dance was a focal point during the event. Some people raised their phones to make recordings, while others asked out of curiosity, “What does the dragon represent?” The practitioners told people that in traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is viewed as a symbol of good fortune. Dragon dances also embody people’s wishes for peace, happiness, and favorable weather.
Event organizer Jacky thanked the practitioners for the dragon performance. She thought it brought a wonderful Chinese cultural element to the festival, and plans to invite practitioners to take part in the event in London.
The practitioners also invited tourists to experience Chinese drums during the performances. Children beat the drums, while parents stood nearby smiling in encouragement. More and more families joined in the fun. Many people also asked about Falun Dafa and the meaning of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Demonstrating the Exercises on the Main Stage
Practitioners went on the main stage at 11 a.m. on both days to introduce Falun Dafa and demonstrate the five sets of exercises. A few audience members followed along as practitioners did the exercises accompanied by the relaxing exercise music.
Visiter Rosie said she studied music at a university, and now works in administration. She and her friend Jaylen, who is studying graphic design, tried the sitting meditation.
Rosie said, “This is the first time I tried meditation—it’s amazing. Now I feel much calmer and at peace.”
Speaking about Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Rosie said honesty is the best way to handle things. People need to treat each other kindly, understand one another, and learn to accept their differences. She said, “If these values are integrated into society, I think it will have a great impact.”
Jaylen also said the exercises made her feel calm, and that it was a whole new experience for her. She said she will recommend Falun Dafa to other people, “I may do the exercises with my parents.”
Rosie (left) and Jaylen (right) said they would tell other people about Falun Dafa. (Minghui.org)
This is What I Have Been Searching For
Lydia, a veterinarian nurse, brought her son and daughter to the practitioners’ booth. She was drawn to the display about how Falun Dafa is practiced around the world. She did the exercises with her son for more than 30 minutes. Afterwards she said, “Everyone should follow these principles. It’s good for one’s physical and mental health.”
Lydia said when she sits next to trees in the garden, she often feels a kind of connection humans have with nature, yet she doesn’t know how to seek such inner peace.
She said, “When I did the exercises, there was a sort of true gratitude and peace. This is what I have been searching for. I feel my body and spirit are telling me. I need to find this.”
About the principles taught by Falun Dafa – Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, Lydia thought one should first face oneself truthfully. When one is more tranquil, one will find it easier to treat others with kindness, not be quick to lose one’s temper or judge others. She said, “I know I should first change myself, and only then can I truly bring this to others.” She said she would look for a local practice site to continue learning the exercises.
Lydia and her son tried the sitting meditation exercise. (Minghui.org)
People Sign the Petition to Stop the Persecution
Besides trying the exercises, many festival attendees also learned about the persecution of Falun Dafa in China through reading the displays and fliers.
Christina, from Worthing, UK, said she had previously seen information about the persecution of Falun Dafa. When she saw practitioners once again, she said the stories of those who are persecuted for their faith made her feel sad.
She said, “We all live on the same planet,” so people should respect different faiths and choices, not persecute anyone because of their faith.
Christina said she had written letters to prisoners of conscience through Amnesty International. She thought the media in England should inform more people about the persecution of Falun Dafa, and she thanked practitioners for coming to the area to tell people about the practice. She said she would go to the Falun Dafa website to find out more about the spiritual practice.
Phil and his wife signed the petition immediately after seeing it supported ending forced organ harvesting. Phil said he agrees with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and feels that they are important values that benefit society.
Max, a computer science student from Royal Holloway, and Sophie, an engineering student from the University of Southampton, had previously seen practitioners’ banners and vehicles promoting the exercises on the street, but were unaware of the details.
After hearing practitioners introduce the spiritual practice at the festival, they were shocked by the persecution targeting Falun Dafa practitioners simply for refusing to give up their belief. Sophie said, “I don’t understand why. This is horrifying.” Both said they wanted to help more people learn of what is happening.
University students Max and Sophie said they wanted to help more people learn about the persecution of Falun Dafa. (Minghui.org)
Parents who accompanied their children in trying out Chinese drums also learned of the state of religious freedom in China through talking with practitioners. A parent said everyone should have the freedom to choose their belief. A society too should allow other faiths and voices to exist.
People spoke to practitioners and signed the petition calling for an end to the persecution. (Minghui.org)
Introducing Falun Dafa at the Cultural Festival for Five Years
Even as the event drew to an end, there were still many people in the park. After the dragon dance, the golden dragon was placed next to the stall, and many festival attendees brought their children over to take photos with the dragon, and left an endearing moment for the weekend’s cultural exchange.
Practitioners have been invited to participate in the Magic of Thailand festival for five years. This year, they participated in the events held in Portsmouth, Guildford, and Brighton. Dragon dances, Chinese drums, and the Falun Dafa exercises serve as a bridge for practitioners to connect with the local community, giving more British people the opportunity to understand traditional Chinese culture, Falun Dafa, and the values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
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