Connecting Culture, Heart and Future: The 4th UK English–Chinese Bilingual Recitation Competition Arrives in London
For more than twenty years, The Mothers’ Bridge of Love (MBL), an internationally registered charity, has been committed to culture, understanding and compassion. Over this time, MBL has built three meaningful bridges between China and the United Kingdom.
1. The Bridge between Birth and Adoptive Culture
MBL hosts quarterly adoption dialogues, documenting and sharing the real stories of Chinese adoptees from around the world. The charity also offers cultural and language support for those wishing to return to China in search of their roots.
2. The Bridge between East and West
MBL promotes Chinese and Western cultural and artistic activities. It has successfully hosted three UK English–Chinese Bilingual Recitation Competitions, using language to deepen cross-cultural understanding.
3. The Bridge between Rich and Poor
From building children’s libraries in rural China to supporting schools for children with disabilities and funding Chinese libraries in the UK, MBL is dedicated to bringing educational resources to more children.
The 4th Bilingual Recitation Competition returns on 30 November
The 4th UK English–Chinese Bilingual Recitation Competition will take place on Sunday, 30 November 2025 at the Djam Lecture Theatre, SOAS University of London. As a major annual event in bilingual education, the competition continues its mission of encouraging young people aged 5 to 18 to express themselves confidently through bilingual recitation and to discover the beauty and power of language on stage.
The video above highlights warm moments from previous competitions. We are delighted to see young participants sharing their dreams, reading poetry and expressing their feelings in two languages. Every voice shines with confidence and courage.
What is new this year?
1. Expanded recruitment and new institutional partnerships
This year’s competition welcomes more Chinese language schools and education organisations, helping us build wider bridges for friendship and cultural exchange.
2. A more comprehensive scoring system
Judges will consider learning experience, difficulty of the chosen pieces and how well the material matches each participant’s language background. The aim is to make the scoring fairer and more reflective of individual progress.
3. A surprise feature in the competition format
This year’s event will include a new highlight. We invite everyone to join us onsite and discover the surprise together.
A distinguished panel of judges
All judges come from the fields of literature, education and culture in the United Kingdom. They will offer professional assessments and feedback to every finalist.
Generous prizes and heartfelt support
Each year’s competition is made possible by the kindness and support of sponsors, organisations, volunteers and educators. Their dedication gives this event its warmth.
First Prize: £100
Second Prize: £50
Third Prize: £30
All finalists will receive commemorative gifts, and this year’s event also includes a special encouragement award.
Event Information
📅 Date & Time: 10:00 am, Sunday 30 November 2025
📍 Venue: Djam Lecture Theatre, SOAS University of London
Our volunteers will be onsite throughout the event and look forward to welcoming families, friends and supporters. Let us celebrate the beauty of bilingual expression together.
Join us on 30 November to build bridges through language and spark new connections through recitation.
We look forward to seeing you there.