Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced the performance programme for the city’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday 22 February in Southside.

Celebrations begin with lion and dragon processions at midday, heading from the Arcadian to the Festival Stage on Hippodrome Square.

Audiences can then enjoy a packed line-up throughout the day, including K-pop dance, traditional Chinese dance, drummers, school choirs and more. Audiences will also have the chance to meet Pom Pom, the much-loved ten-foot panda.

Alongside outdoor celebrations, audiences can also experience The New Earth Theatre Makers Academy Plus Birmingham Showcase in the Patrick Studio at 1.30pm. The showcase presents the culmination of a five-month development programme, with six artists sharing bold, original performance work that challenges, entertains and inspires.

The Access Hub at the front of Birmingham Hippodrome will enable visitors to find out more about the line-up, chill out zone and accessible viewing point. Visitors can also borrow ear defenders, fidget toys and audio description headsets. The Festival Stage programme will have British Sign Language interpretation throughout.

Wider festivities will also be taking place from Tuesday 17 February - Saturday 21 February, including daily market stalls and funfair rides.

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, Birmingham Chinese School and finale champion Davisons Law. With thanks to Ying Wah Travel and Cathay Pacific.

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.

To find out more, please visit: birminghamhippodrome.com