Birmingham Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with a Weekend of Culture and Community
The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee hosted a vibrant celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival last weekend at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, bringing together families, performers and community groups from across the city for a joyful day of culture, music and dance.
The festival featured two packed shows blending traditional and modern performances — from energetic lion and dragon dances by the Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team to graceful Chinese classical and folk dances, face changing, and impressive musical performances by talented local artists and organisations including KidsArt, Ling Long Dance Group and the Chinese Community Centre Birmingham.
A highlight of the day was a special performance by The Lantern Moon Players, who presented The Chinese Creation Myth — a captivating storytelling piece combining music, drama and movement.
Throughout the venue, visitors enjoyed a variety of children’s workshops and family activities, such as arts and crafts, lantern making and calligraphy, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all ages.
Speaking about the success of the celebration, James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, said:
> “It was a joy to see families, friends and performers come together to celebrate this beautiful festival of reunion and culture. The energy and smiles throughout the day truly captured the spirit of Mid-Autumn. My sincere thanks go to all our committee members, volunteers and performers for their hard work and passion.”
Now one of Birmingham’s key annual cultural events, the festival was held in partnership with Southside BID and attracted near-capacity audiences for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and remains one of the most important occasions in Chinese culture. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it symbolises reunion, gratitude and harmony. Families will gather tonight to admire the full moon, light lanterns and share mooncakes (月饼) — round pastries filled with lotus seed paste and a salted egg yolk that represents the glowing moon. Their shape and sweetness symbolise unity, completeness and good wishes for happiness and togetherness.
The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee will next present a Children's Christmas Gala in December, followed by the Chinese New Year Celebrations in February 2026.
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