On 8 May 2026, Lancaster University Confucius Institute was proud to host the world premiere of Ulverston filmmaker Steve Wharton's compelling documentary about John Barrow's trip to China towards the end of the 18^th century.

The Confucius Institute welcomed around 50 guests to a special screening of Voyage East at Lancaster University, bringing together students, staff and members of the local community for an evening exploring the historical relationship between Britain and China.

Held at the Elizabeth Livingston Lecture Theatre in Bowland North, the event featured a screening of filmmaker Steve Wharton’s documentary retracing the journey of Sir John Barrow, who joined Britain’s first diplomatic mission to China as part of the Macartney Embassy in 1793.

Originally from Ulverston in Cumbria, Barrow travelled through Vietnam and China during the embassy’s journey to meet the Qianlong Emperor. During his travels, he developed a strong interest in Chinese language and culture, later shaping British understanding of China through his writings and public service.

Barrow went on to become Permanent Secretary of the Admiralty, where he supported major British expeditions to Africa, Antarctica and the North-West Passage. He also wrote the authoritative account of the mutiny on the Bounty and was a founding member of the Royal Geographical Society.

In Voyage East, Steve compellingly brings to life John Barrow's highly significant journey to China. From Ulverston in North West England, to Beijing and Guangzhou, by way of Vietnam. The documentary combines historical research with contemporary footage filmed across China and Vietnam, highlighting both the historical significance of the mission and its relevance to present-day cultural and diplomatic engagement between Britain and China.

Following the screening, audience members participated in an engaging Q&A session with Steve Wharton, discussing the legacy of the Macartney Embassy and the importance of intercultural understanding in today’s global context. Steve is a writer, performer, media producer and qualified Early Years teacher, recently returned to the UK after 3 years in China teaching and filming his documentary about John Barrow's travels there.

Steve has previously specialised in performing Cumbrian stories, songs and poems for locals and visitors. His clients have included local visitor venues, schools and international tour organisers. Delving deeper into Cumbrian heritage, he discovered a rich vein of Norse material. From 2020, he developed the 28 Dales Later podcast series and 3 documentary films. He has released 2 music albums (1 folk, 1 rock) and 2 books (Sylwedyth and Contemporary Cumbrian Folk Songs).

The evening also welcomed Lancashire voice actor John Hewson, whose narration brought Barrow’s own words and experiences vividly to life throughout the film. John is the presenter of Beyond Radio’s Waterside Weekly, the only local radio programme dedicated to capturing the voices, stories, and rhythms of life along the Lancaster Canal. John is a liveaboard boater and has lived on the Lancaster Canal community for over five years.

Dr Derek Hird, Director of Lancaster University Confucius Institute, commented: “At this current moment, when Britain sorely needs better knowledge of an increasingly influential China, Steve Wharton’s film provides a well-researched and fascinating window onto a seminal episode of Britain-China engagement.”

As an important platform for cultural exchange and educational collaboration at Lancaster University, the Confucius Institute regularly organises public lectures, cultural events, workshops and academic activities that promote deeper understanding between the UK and China. By hosting events such as Voyage East, the Institute aims to encourage dialogue across cultures and provide opportunities for students and the wider community to engage with Chinese history, language and contemporary society.