Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced the city’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations return to Southside next month, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate.

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 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.

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.

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.

The full Chinese New Year 2026 programme will be announced in February. For further information visit: birminghamhippodrome.com