From stage and street performances to food and fireworks here’s how Birmingham celebrated Chinese New Year…

Last weekend, thousands flocked to Southside and beyond for the city’s Chinese New Year Festival, a free family festival co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome.

The city came alive with lion and dragon processions in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central, pop-up lion dances in The Arcadian and street food, funfair rides and a craft market in Southside. Festival goers also had the chance to meet Pom Pom, the giant ten-foot panda, across the weekend.

On Sunday, crowds gathered on Hippodrome Square to enjoy a packed programme on the Uber Eats Stage. Highlights included traditional performances from local schools, groups and communities, K-Pop dance and a spring roll eating competition sponsored by Uber Eats.

Emerging Birmingham-based East and Southeast Asian-led theatre company, Move Midlands performed a piece that explores the interconnectedness of our lives in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio. Visitors were also able to step into the theatre for face painting and free family activities.

Festivities came to close in Hippodrome Square with a spectacular Fireworks Finale welcoming in the Year of the Snake.

Jeffrey Yap, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “What a fantastic weekend! We loved seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year – the performances on The Uber Eats Stage on Sunday were fantastic and the food stalls, fairground rides and activities created such a wonderful atmosphere in Southside. Thank you to all who joined in the festivities!”

Matt Evans, Head of Festivals & Sites at Birmingham Hippodrome added: “We’re thrilled to have co-produced such a fun and joyous festival – it would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, local businesses, performers and of course, the local Chinese, East and South East Asian communities. A huge thank you to all who made this festival a huge success.”

Chinese New Year 2025 was co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome. This year’s festival was sponsored by Uber Eats and supported by Southside District, The Arcadian, Wing Yip and Brothers Foundation and The Birmingham Chinese School. The Saturday programme was in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central.