Chinese New Year celebrations light up Birmingham’s Southside
Birmingham’s Southside is once again alive with colour, culture and community spirit as the city celebrates Chinese New Year 2026, with festivities now underway.
Co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome, the annual celebrations have returned to the heart of the city, bringing thousands of people together to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.
The celebrations began on the first day of Chinese New Year, Tuesday 17 February, with market stalls and funfair rides launching in Hippodrome Square. These family-friendly attractions are running daily throughout the half-term week until Saturday 21 February, offering food, gifts and entertainment for all ages.
The main festival day takes place this Sunday 22 February, with a free programme of events across Hippodrome Square and Chinatown. The day will open with a traditional lion procession, weaving through the area and setting the tone for a vibrant cultural celebration.
At the centre of the festivities, 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, alongside market stalls, funfair rides and interactive 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 while ensuring the festival remains free and accessible.
James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, said:
“We’re proud to once again co-produce an event that reflects the strength and vibrancy of Birmingham’s communities. The support of the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation plays a vital role in making the festival possible, helping us to deliver a free, accessible celebration that honours tradition, supports local artists and brings communities together.”
Jenny Loynton DL, Trustee of the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, added:
“Our decision to play a significant role in these celebrations is driven by the legacy of Mr Wing Yip OBE and the Wing Yip family’s enduring desire of giving back to the city that has supported their journey, and their belief in the importance of promoting culture, education and celebrating the diverse heritage that strengthens Birmingham and the UK’s social fabric.”
Matt Evans, Head of Festivals & Sites at Birmingham Hippodrome, said:
“We’re pleased to be working with the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee again to deliver a programme that celebrates local talent and brings people together in the heart of the city.”
Chinese New Year 2026 is supported in association with Southside District, The Arcadian and Birmingham Chinese School.
Additional support has been provided through donations, partnerships and in-kind contributions from Rainbow Casino, Chung Ying, The Southside Building and Birmingham City Council.
The full programme of performances and activities is being announced throughout February.
For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com/chinesenewyear.