Festivities begin on the first day of the Chinese New Year, Tuesday 17 February, with market stalls and funfair rides in Hippodrome Square running daily throughout the half term week until Saturday 21 February. The event, organised by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome brings thousands of people together to celebrate.
The main festival celebration takes place on Sunday 22 February, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. The free event will begin with a traditional lion procession across Hippodrome Square and Chinatown. At the heart of the celebrations, the festival stage will host a packed programme showcasing the talent and creativity of Birmingham’s Chinese and East Asian communities. Audiences can enjoy a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary music, dance and theatre performances throughout the day, alongside market stalls, funfair rides and family-friendly activities across Southside.
Matt Evans, Head of Festivals & Sites at Birmingham Hippodrome added: “We’re pleased to be working with the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee again to deliver a programme that celebrates local talent and brings people together in the heart of the city.“
This year’s celebrations are supported by the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, whose enhanced contribution is helping to sustain and grow the programme of activity, whilst ensuring the festival remains free for audiences across the city. James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “We’re proud to once again co-produce an event that reflects the strength and vibrancy of Birmingham’s communities. The support of the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation plays a vital role in making the festival possible, helping us to deliver a free, accessible celebration that honours tradition, supports local artists and brings communities together.”
Chinese New Year 2026 is co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome. This year’s festival is supported by The W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, in association with Southside District, The Arcadian and Birmingham Chinese School. Chinese New Year 2026 has also been supported by donations, partnership or in-kind support from Rainbow Casino, Chung Ying, The Southside Building and Birmingham City Council.
For further information visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/chinesenewyear
IMAGE: Choy Lee Fut Lion Procession at Chinese New Year Festival 2025, by Fivesix Photography
