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City's Lunar New Year celebrations set to return

Josh SandifordWest Midlands
News imageBirmingham Hippodrome A performer in a traditional Chinese opera costume stands on a stage with bright lighting overhead. The outfit includes a cream robe decorated with patterns. The backdrop is red with festival branding faintly visible behind the performer. Birmingham Hippodrome
The festival will feature traditional Chinese performances alongside K‑pop dance, drumming and community showcases

Birmingham's Lunar New Year celebrations will return later this month, with a week of activities to mark the year of the Fire Horse.

The annual event will feature traditional performances, market stalls, funfair rides and a firework finale.

Events take place in the city's Southside district every year, a short walk from New Street station, in an area home to restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the Hippodrome theatre.

Organisers are asking people to get ready to wish each other Xin Nian Kuai Le (in Mandarin) or Sun Nin Faai Lok (in Cantonese).

News imageBirmingham Hippodrome A large orange lion costume fills the centre of the frame during a Chinese New Year lion dance parade. Crowds line the street on either side, many taking photos as the procession passes.Birmingham Hippodrome
Lion and dragon processions will start at the Arcadian before making their way to Hippodrome Square for the day‑long celebrations

When will it begin?

A Chinese market will take over Hippodrome Square from Tuesday to 21 February, with select stalls and funfair rides.

The main festival takes place on 22 February, with celebrations running throughout the day.

What can visitors expect?

Lion and dragon processions will set off from the Arcadian at midday on the Sunday, heading to the Festival Stage on Hippodrome Square.

The day's line-up includes K-pop dance, traditional Chinese performances, drumming and school choirs.

Children can meet Pom Pom, the 10-foot panda, enjoy free face painting and firecrackers and watch a firework display to close the festival.

News imageBirmingham Hippodrome A large panda mascot stands beneath rows of red Chinese lanterns as crowds gather around it. The panda has a round white head with black markings and is positioned in a sheltered outdoor area. People in coats and jackets fill the foreground. Birmingham Hippodrome
Festival favourites like Pom Pom the panda will make a return

Inside the Hippodrome, the Patrick Studio will host the New Earth Theatre showcase at 13.30 GMT, presenting new performance work from six artists.

The Festival Stage programme will have British Sign Language interpretation throughout, with a chill-out zone and accessible viewing point for those who need it.

Who is behind the celebrations?

The festival is co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome, supported by the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation.

Support has also come from the Southside District, the Arcadian, Birmingham Chinese School and Davisons Law.

Matt Evans, head of festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming in the year of the Fire Horse with local communities.

"Our free performance programme platforms local talent while celebrating culture and heritage.

"We can't wait for everyone to experience the festivities."

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