Birmingham Chinese New Year Festival 2026 programme booklet
Welcome to Chinese New Year Festival 2026!
We’re thrilled to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse with you.
Following on from a week of funfair rides and markets in Southside, celebrations start on Sun 22 Feb with the much-loved lion and dragon processions.
Our main stage has a packed programme, with a range of traditional and modern music, dance and Kung Fu demonstrations. We hope you all enjoy the phenomenal talent from our local community.
In this brochure you’ll find the full programme for the day, an insight into the history of Chinese New Year and much more.
Today’s event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of so many. Chinese New Year 2026 is co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome. Principal Supporter is The W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation. Firework Champion is Davisons Law. The event is in association with Southside District, The Arcadian and Birmingham Chinese School. With thanks to Ying Wah Travel and Cathay Pacific.
We hope you enjoy the celebrations, and we wish you happy festivities.
Join in on social media
Happy New Year of the Horse
For all the latest festival information scan the QR code or head to birminghamhippodrome. com/chinesenewyear
Message from Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE
It gives me great pleasure to wish the Chinese communities in Birmingham, and to Chinese people around the world a very Happy New Year.
Birmingham has a longstanding friendship with China, and the City Council has Sister City relationships with Changchun, Guangzhou, and Nanjing.
As Lord Mayor I am pleased to promote this friendship and I would like to thank the Chinese communities across Birmingham for the way they have received me over my term as Lord Mayor, which has been with graciousness and hospitality.
The Chinese Community adds significantly to the prosperity and cultural diversity of our great city and with over 5,000 Chinese students at our universities, we not only enjoy their presence but benefit from the various ongoing cultural and learning exchanges. As Lord Mayor I am keen to promote these valuable experiences.
We are also happy to see the countless Chinese visitors that choose to come to Birmingham each year, and I hope they will always find us a warm and welcoming place to visit.
I wish a happy, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Horse to all the Chinese people living in, studying in, and visiting our great city.
Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE
Lord Mayor of Birmingham
Message from the Chair
Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee
Welcome to Birmingham’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
For over three decades, Chinese New Year has been part of Birmingham’s cultural calendar, bringing people together to share culture, tradition and joy.
2026 marks an exciting step forward. This year, the festival has been extended beyond a single day into a multi-day programme, bringing Chinatown and Southside to life with markets, performances and community activity.
We are incredibly grateful for the support that makes this celebration possible. Our sincere thanks to the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation for their charitable support and to our co-producers Birmingham Hippodrome for helping bring this festival to life. The festival is delivered in association with Southside District and The Arcadian, with thanks to Ying Wah Travel and Cathay Pacific. We are also grateful for donations, partnership or in-kind support from Birmingham Chinese School, Rainbow Casino, Chung Ying, The Southside Building, Bullring and Birmingham City Council.
2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, progress and community spirit. A perfect reflection of what Chinese New Year in Birmingham represents.
Thank you for being part of Birmingham’s Chinese New Year.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning once again, we hope you enjoy the atmosphere, the performances and the celebrations throughout the festival.
Kung Hei Fat Choi
James Wong Chair, Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee
Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee
Birmingham Chinese New Year festival is proudly co-produced by the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, which is made up of several prominent businesses in Birmingham.
Website: www.facebook.com/cnybirmingham
The Birmingham Chinese Women’s Association was formally established in March 1994, in response to the desire for a space where women can support one another, and bridge for friendship between one another within the Chinese Community. During the last 20 years, we have organised various events, day trips, educational classes, and we are also involved with organising fundraising events for amongst others such as the Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, building schools in Mainland China and St. Mary’s Hospices.
Overseas Chinese Association School established in 1965, is a non-profit Charity registered school, offering high quality Chinese Lessons to students in Birmingham. We teach both Chinese Mandarin and Chinese Cantonese. We currently have 480 students at Queensbridge School located in Moseley Birmingham. Our aim is to not only teach Chinese language but also show the next generation the great Chinese heritage which they come from, instilling in them our values, traditions and beliefs.
Website: https://ocasbirmingham.org/home/
The Birmingham Chinese Society is a registered charity and is a service provider to the Chinese community in the Birmingham and West Midlands area. Our society acts as a community forum for ideas and concerns, provides consultation services for Chinese people and runs exciting cultural and leisure activities throughout the UK.
Our Society is eager to work in partnership with mainstream providers within the regionAll our staff have the appropriate qualifications, experience and competence to handle individual clients queries, training and cases.
Chinese Community Centre-Birmingham - With the dedicated support of over 60 volunteers and the hard work of a small core of staff, we provide a variety of programmes in: Supporting Communities, Cultural Connections and Business Services. Our vision for the next 5 years is to continue on the path of becoming a vibrant hub that contributes to the cultural, civic and business life of Birmingham and the West Midlands. We will be building a national advice and advocacy online service for people whose opportunities are limited due to language barriers, poor health or having to care for those who are ill or disabled. We also aim to become a centre of excellence in the research and development of public policies to meet the health, mental health and social care needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
Website: http://www.chinesebirmingham.org.uk/
The Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club was formed in 1987. We help good causes and have helped raise £500,000+ so far. We meet at Chung Ying Central, Colmore Row, Birmingham, on the second Wednesday and fourth Monday of each month. Lions Club members have volunteered their time and talents to meet needs wherever they exist. Lions are especially dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired, a commitment made after Helen Keller challenged our members to become her “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” during the 1925 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA.
Website: http://www.chinatownlions.com/
Birmingham Chinese School was established in 1987 as a non-profit, non-political and non-religious school. The school is mainly to provide Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin) and Chinese traditional culture education. The school is a charity registered in UK.
Mingham Modern Chinese Language School - Mingham Modern Chinese Language School is a non-profit charitable Chinese language school established in 1995. It is organised and managed by volunteers from the Chinese community in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. For the past 30 years, the School has been committed to providing opportunities to learn the Chinese language and gain an understanding of Chinese culture, offering high-quality teaching at the most affordable cost.
Website: https://mhchineseschool.org
Festival Programme
Chinese New Year Festival shines a spotlight on the fantastic talent within our region and promises to wow audiences with both traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances. Join us to wish each other Happy New Year, Xin Nian Kuai Le (in Mandarin) or Sun Nin Faai Lok (in Cantonese).
Co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome
The festival takes place over a fun-packed day for 2026, with processions and performances throughout the day in and around Southside and the Chinese Quarter. Plus, there’s a craft market, funfair rides, street food, free face painting, theatre performances and more throughout, with the ‘The Main Stage’ at the heart of the celebrations on Hippodrome Square. An exciting fireworks finale will close the celebrations welcoming in the Year of the Horse.
Sun 22 Feb 2026
Across the Festival
The Lion’s Den The Acardian 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
FREE Face Painting
The Arcadian Balcony 12-5.30pm
Pom Pom The Giant Panda Roaming 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm & 4.30pm
New Earth Academy Plus 2025-26 (Birmingham): Artist Showcase* Patrick Studio (inside Birmingham Hippodrome via Thorp Street) 1.30pm
Sun 22 Feb 2026
Times What’s on
Opening Ceremony
The Main Stage
Artist/Organisation
Welcome Speeches, Lion Dance Firecrackers
12–12.55pm
1-1.55pm
K-Pop Dance Performance
Dance Performance
Dance Performance
Tai Chi Sword, Fan dance, Xing Yi Kungfu, and Interactive Qigong
Music Performance
Dance Performance
Traditional Chinese Instruments
Ensemble
Wan Sheung Music Performance
Dance Performance
2–2.55pm
Ling Long Sword Dance
Dance Performance
Lion Dance
Ribbon Dance
Tai Chi Sword, Fan dance, Xing Yi Kungfu, and Interactive Qigong
XI Dance Studios
Birmingham Chinese School
Overseas Chinese Association School
Deyin Taijiquan Institute
Birmingham Chinese Women’s Association
Kaleidoscope Performing Arts
Kids Arts - Pinyan Li & Students
Chinese Community Centre Birmingham
Mingham Modern Chinese Language School
Birmingham Chinese Society
Kaleidoscope Performing Arts
Choy Lee Fut
Vanessa Chan
Deyin Taijiquan Institute
3-3.55pm
Wan Sheung Dance Performance
Music & Dance Performance
Ling Long Fan Dance
K-Pop Dance Performance
Dance Performance
Dance Performance
Dance Performance
4-4.55pm
Wan Sheung Dance Performance
Music & Dance Performance
Tai Chi Sword, Fan dance, Xing Yi Kungfu, and Interactive Qigong
Golden Song Group Music Performance
5-5.45pm
K-Pop Dance Performance
Closing Ceremony
Chinese Community Centre Birmingham
The British Central Plains Drum Dance Team
Birmingham Chinese Society
XI Dance Studios
Siqian Liang
Kaleidoscope Performing Arts
The Groove Lab
Chinese Community Centre Birmingham
The British Central Plains Drum Dance Team
Deyin Taijiquan Institute
Birmingham Chinese Society
XI Dance Studios
Dragon and Lion Dance with Firecrackers
Access at the Festival
Sun 22 Feb 2026
We want everyone to enjoy the Festival. At the festival we will have the following…
Access hub - located at the front of birmingham hippodrome 12pm - 6pm
Meet our access hosts, find out about the festival, borrow ear defenders, fidget toys & audio description headsets.
Chill out zone - artists loungebirmingham hippodrome 12pm - 6pm
Take a break from the busy festival environment in our chill out zone.
BSL british sign language interpretation 12pm - 6pm
Throughout the day interpreters will be working alongside our hosts to offer BSL provision for the stage.
Accessible viewing point - in front of the main stage
Providing space for those that need it with a great view of the action – this is very close to the stage so expect it to be loud - the viewing area will be closed before and for the duration of any pyrotechnic effects for safety purposes.
Audio description - the main stage various times between 12pm - 6pm
Audio Description tracks will be available via a QR code at our access hub. Please ensure you have a device and headphones to listen to the tracks. If you need any assistance with accessing this, just ask our access hosts.
If you would like assistance accessing our British Sign Language or Audio Description please drop by our Access Hub and speak to our Access Hosts who can be found wearing yellow hats.
CO-PRODUCED BY IN ASSOCIATION WITH PRINCIPAL SUPPORTER FIREWORK CHAMPION
WITH THANKS TO
Festival Credits
Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee
Chair James Wong
Vice Chairs Ken Tong & Tom Lee
Treasurer Anna Yim
Birmingham Chinese Women’s Association
Overseas Chinese Association School
Birmingham Chinese Society
Chinese Community Centre - Birmingham
Birmingham Chinatown Lions Club
Birmingham Chinese School
Mingham Modern Language School
Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome is on a mission to provide that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences. We see the streets of Birmingham as a stage, with programmes, productions and events in collaboration with partners across the city.
To find out more visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/festivals
Festivals & Sites Team
Head of Festivals & Sites Matt Evans
Festivals & Sites Producer Ben Pickering
Assistant Producer Olive Amos
Production Coordinator Beth Kiddie
The team is supported by colleagues across Birmingham Hippodrome, plus dedicated freelancers and volunteers who support with the planning and delivery of the festival.
We are also grateful for the donations, partnership or in-kind support received from: Rainbow Casino, Chung Ying, The Southside Building, Bullring & Birmingham City Council.
The previous year’s festival photography used throughout this brochure is by Simon Hadley.
Message from the Chair Birmingham’s Chinese New Year begins months before
the first drum is heard.
Each year, around £100,000 is required to deliver this free festival. From performances and markets to staging, safety and logistics, bringing Chinese New Year to life at this scale is a major operation, made possible through sponsorship, charitable support and strong partnerships.
Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome work together to co-produce the festival, shaping the vision, developing the programme and securing the support that allows the celebrations to happen.
Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee provides cultural leadership and community connection, helping ensure the festival reflects the heritage, traditions and voices of Birmingham’s Chinese community.
Birmingham Hippodrome leads on programming, fundraising management, production and event management, overseeing staging, site planning, operations and health and safety.
Southside BID, The Arcadian and partners across Chinatown support the wider area activation, helping connect the festival with local businesses and the district. Together, this collaboration welcomes tens of thousands of people each year, bringing energy and footfall into the area, supporting local businesses and keeping Birmingham’s Chinese heritage visible and alive.
I am proud to have served as Chair for 10 years, helping to grow Birmingham’s Chinese New Year into a bigger, multi-day and more impactful celebration for the city. As someone who grew up in Chinatown and running Chung Ying, a family restaurant founded in 1981, this festival is personal. It reflects our community’s journey, resilience and place in Birmingham.
Behind every performance and celebration are hundreds of hours of planning and teamwork. When the streets fill with colour and crowds, it shows what can be achieved when a city comes together.
James Wong Chair, Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee
Spotlight on New Earth
Now in its 30th year, New Earth is the longest-running British East and South East Asian (BESEA) touring theatre company in the UK. Their mission is to bring nuanced BESEA representation to the widest possible audience.
Amongst other exciting initiatives, they run New Earth Academy programmes, offering free specialist training and development opportunities in the performing arts for BESEA creatives aged 18+ across the UK.
We spoke with Kelsey Yuhara, Creative Engagement Manager at New Earth to find out more about New Earth’s work and the artist showcase featured in this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
Tell us about the programme that helped shape this showcase… New Earth Theatre Makers Academy PlusBirmingham is a next step programme for East and South East Asian artists based in the Midlands. Our participants are already developing their own work and are looking for support to expand their skills, knowledge and networks. The programme included focused and supported research and development sessions, workshops in writing, production skills, mentorship and a selfguided rehearsal period.
The 2025-26 cohort was selected in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome from their show ideas they hoped to develop during this five-month programme. We are so excited to have supported them on this journey during the past couple of months so that they can now share excerpts of their shows with you!
What can we expect from the showcase?
At the start, it seemed to me that many artists would be exploring stories and themes that many of our broader BESEA community throughout the UK are exploring: migration, family, racism, multiculturalism, identity, and the intersection between myth and reality. The most beautiful realisation through development was that each story is as unique and impactful as the person who created it. I commend this cohort for exploring their themes so bravely and honestly to create stories that I am sure will resonate with so many audience members.
Do you have a favourite Chinese New Year tradition?
Being from a mixed race and blended cultural upbringing, I love new and created traditions. Since I have been in the UK, I love that this festival allows a platform for so many BESEA artists to be seen and for their modern and traditional artistic practices to be celebrated and supported. Nuanced representation, both on stage and behind the scenes, is still a challenge. It’s the reason the New Earth Academy exists and evolves.
What does the Year of the Horse mean to you?
I hope this coming year will be about action, freedom and breakthrough. Just like a horse charging ahead, wild and free. For our 2025-26 cohort, I hope this showcase is a breakthrough for them and will lead to further opportunities to develop their work further and share their stories with broader audiences.
New Earth will present their artist showcase at 1.30pm on Sun 22 Feb in the Patrick Studio, which can be accessed via Birmingham Hippodrome’s Thorp Street Entrance.
Your next stop: The Arcadian
From bold flavours to late night moments , The Arcadian is Birmingham’s social heart, alive with culture , cuisine , and nightlife .
Bringing Southside Together for Chinese New Year
By Diane Parkes
Chinese New Year is one of our city’s biggest and brightest festivals. Co-produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, the event attracts more than 40,000 people to see performances, enjoy funfair rides and shop at the marketplace.
For the Hippodrome, Chinese New Year is about the organisation coming out into the streets and squares of its local community.
“It’s part of our strategy of unlocking the Hippodrome for people by having free-to-access events and festivals on the streets and seeing the city as our third stage,” explains Matt Evans, Hippodrome Head of Festivals and Sites.
“It may be a very cold memorable experience in February,” he laughs, speaking from the experience of being on the ground during the event. “But people leave inspired and appreciating the different art forms they are seeing. The lion dances and the dragon dances really captivate audiences, especially younger audiences”
The Hippodrome Festivals Team work closely with the Chinese Festival Committee and other organisations within the Chinese community to plan the event.
“Chinese New Year is one of our core festivals and we start planning for it years ahead,” says Matt. “We need to do that because it changes every year based on the lunar calendar, so we start booking those spaces and squares to make sure we have them for that exact date.”
So too the team liaise with local businesses and the relevant authorities around road closures to ensure the festival can go ahead safely.
“There’s a lot of planning in that. It’s very complex trying to build a festival site in those public spaces because you’re turning roads into a marketplace, a festival site and a funfair. There’s a lot of liaison with the local businesses because they are still operating. It’s their busiest time of the year and we’re closing roads to make sure the celebration can happen, so it needs to be in collaboration with everyone. It’s a big puzzle, but it’s all worth it for the impact.”
The festival offers local groups and organisations the opportunity to take to the stage in a range of performances in a programme coordinated by the Hippodrome team. From the initial callout for performances in November until the event in February it’s full steam ahead.
“We liaise with community groups and run rehearsals for everyone performing on the stage before the day. This is to figure out how they are going to stage the performances, how they are going to fit onto the stage size, how they work technically for example,” says Matt.
“The community do really come together on it and celebrate.”
The Hippodrome has been involved in the festival for around a decade and each year more groups come forward to take part in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colourful shows.
“There are some staple traditional performances that form a key part of the festival and are what makes the festival authentic,” Matt says.
“But there’s also been a lot of development in the community around K-pop and new dance styles, and with the rise of digital there has been so much change in terms of the landscape. So there’s a lot of ambition from groups in terms of that, lots of new performances, new ways of staging things that are really innovative.”
Birmingham’s Chinese New Year Festival is one of the largest in the country and is funded by sponsorship, support and partnership. The Hippodrome Festivals Team comprises just four people including Matt and they are working all year on events large and small. To stage a successful Chinese New Year, they use freelancers and contractors and can call on other teams within the Hippodrome and the local community.
“The whole festival is in partnership with our co-producers, Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, there are committee members that are part of the schools, part of the community groups and they are a key part of making sure the festival is representative of all sectors of the community.
“It’s about celebrating that the Hippodrome is in Chinatown and supporting the place we’re in,” says Matt. “It’s celebrating the diversity of the area and the people of the city.”
The team are determined to ensure the festival is as environmentally friendly as possible.
“We are encouraging sustainable travel and we are looking at compostable packaging, recycling and energy efficient solutions on the site,” Matt says. “We are constantly trying to innovate and think about the future in what we are doing.”
Looking forwards, Matt hopes the festival will continue to be a fun day out for thousands of families from across the West Midlands.
“It’s everything that we stand for by providing those memorable experiences for people.”
緊密合作夥伴．專業票務優勢
Zodiac
Based on an ancient tale, the Chinese zodiac runs in a 12-year cycle, with each new year bringing with it a new animal representing the changes to come for the year ahead. As the tale goes, the Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to become the guards of the heavenly gate, inviting all animals in the world to race and compete for this honour. The Rat arrived first followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and, finally, the Pig, with each taking a turn in bringing in a New Year til today.
HORSE
SHEEP
1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Your capacity for hard work is amazing. You are your own person-very independent. While, intelligent and friendly, you have a strong guard against being egotistical.
Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet or politician.
MONKEY
1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
You are very intelligent and have a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey however, must guard against begin an opportunist and distrustful of other people.
Your sign promises success in any field you try.
1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Ram can be charming company. You are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts.
You would be best as an actor or gardener
ROOSTER
1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters are hard workers, shrewd and definite in decision making, often speaking their minds. Because of this, you tend to seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser and extravagant to an extreme.
Born under this sign you should be happy, publicist, soldier or world traveller.
DOG
1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue and a tendency to be a fault finder.
You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher or secret agent.
RAT
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
You are imaginative, charming and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist.
Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic or publicist.
TIGER
1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
You are sensitive, emotional and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a “hothead” or rebel.
Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, race car driver or matador.
DRAGON
1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a “big mouth” at times. You are intelligent, gifted and a perfectionist but these qualities make you unduly demanding on others.
You would be well-suited to be an artist, priest or politician
PIG
1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest. By expecting the same from others, you can also be incredibly naïve. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall.
You would be best in the arts as an entertainer.
OX
1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
A born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative, methodical and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic and always demanding your own way.
The Ox would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general or hairdresser
RABBIT
1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbits are selfless, neat, tidy and get along well with their brothers and sisters. Rabbits lead the good life and are the most fortunate of all animals. Rabbits live by the Golden Rule and wouldn’t think of breaking it.
You are well suited as a banker, lawyer, interior designer or video-game player
SNAKE
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. Keep your sense of humour about life
The Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher or writer.
