Where are Lunar New Year events being held?

Millions of people around the world have been heralding the start of the Lunar New Year, an annual celebration that coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

The 15-day festival began on Tuesday and in accordance with the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which represents forward motion.

People around the world celebrate the event, especially in east and south-east Asia, but what festivities are taking place in the West Midlands?

Here are some of the events happening across the region:

Celebrations in Worcester will take place at the Museum of Royal Worcester and the Royal Porcelain Works on Sunday between 11:00 and 15:00 GMT.

Worcestershire Chinese Association and educational charity Engage with China are involved.

The Lion Dance will be held on Severn Street at 12:30, with the road closed for the performance by the city's Kui De Tang school.

The Royal Porcelain Works site is to feature a programme of family-friendly activities for all ages.

The Musuem of Royal Worcester will offer a reduced entry fee for a day of free creative activities including tea tasting and a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Among other events, Hereford City Rotary announced a meal to celebrate the occasion would take place on Thursday.

Lion dance performances are due to take place in Coventry on Saturday.

Several city centre businesses are involved and there are plans for eight sites to be used, although performance times may vary depending on the weather, according to Coventry City Centre on Facebook.

In Warwickshire, people in Rugby on Sunday will be able to enjoy traditional Chinese music, dance, crafts, food, face painting and lantern making, as well as join in a parade.

The free celebration would be held on Market Place between 11:30 and 15:30 GMT, said Rugby First, which comprises more than 600 businesses.

It has organised the initiative in partnership with the borough council and Rugby Warwickshire Chinese Society.

The procession will involve lion and dragon dancing, lanterns and drums and leave Market Place between 11:45 and 12:00.

The main festival takes place on Sunday, with lion and dragon processions setting off from the Arcadian at midday and heading to the Festival Stage on Hippodrome Square.

The line-up includes K-pop dance, traditional Chinese performances, drumming and school choirs. Children can meet Pom Pom, the 10ft panda, enjoy free face painting and watch a firework display.

Inside the Hippodrome, the Patrick Studio will host the New Earth Theatre showcase at 13:30 GMT, presenting new performance work from six artists.

Celebrations with Stoke-on-Trent's Chinese community will take place across the Spitfire Gallery at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Smithfield, City Central Library and the Mitchell Arts Centre.

The event, between 11:00 and 16:00 GMT on Sunday will feature traditional music and dance, including dragon and lion performances, alongside Kung Fu displays and acrobatics.

Visitors will also be able to take part in Chinese craft sessions and circus skills workshops.

Initiatives at Trentham Shopping Village between 10:00 and 16:00 on Sunday include a giant panda performance, a Kung Fu show and a "Chinese Lion Walkabout".

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