Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced the return of the city’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations in February.

Festivities will start in the city centre on Saturday 1 February with lion and dragon processions in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central.

Celebrations continue on Sunday 2 February with the UberEats Festival Stage at the heart of the festival on Hippodrome Square and throughout Chinatown. The packed programme will showcase the talent within the local Chinese community and include a range of traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances for all to enjoy.

Across the weekend, Southside will come alive with craft markets, food stalls, family activities and more. The city will welcome in the Year of the Snake on Sunday with a spectacular firework finale.

Jeffrey Yap, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “Last year’s festivities in Southside were incredible – over 38,000 people attended, making it the biggest ever day in Southside for Chinese New Year celebrations.

“We are excited to co-produce this year’s festival, which will not only see the return of the traditional waking of the Lion ‘Dim Jing’, Dragon dances and Pom Pom, our ten-foot giant Panda, but showcase brilliant performances from artists within our region. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend!”

Chris Sudworth, Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome added: “Chinese New Year Festival 2025 is all about giving local performers and communities a platform to shine. We are delighted to celebrate our neighbours in Chinatown; Chinese & East Asian culture; and proud of the support the festival brings for local businesses.

“Alongside activities here in Southside, we look forward to festivities making a welcomed return to Bullring & Grand Central, bringing more people together to welcome in the Year of the Snake.”

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

The full Chinese New Year 2025 programme will be announced in January.

For further information visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/chinesenewyear