What's Happening in Sheffield for Lunar New Year 2025? Your Guide to the Year of the Snake Festival

Sheffield is kicking off 2025 with its biggest Lunar New Year celebration yet—and you’re invited! Whether you're into dazzling performances, traditional dances, or just looking for a good excuse to try some delicious Chinese food, there’s something for everyone. This year's festival honours the Year of the Snake, a zodiac symbol that represents wisdom, transformation, and creativity—fitting for a city coming together to celebrate its diversity.

Here’s everything you need to know about this colourful and action-packed event running from 30th January to 10th February 2025.

A weekend of free celebrations in the heart of Sheffield

The main attraction? A free, two-day festival in Sheffield's Peace Gardens on 1st and 2nd February. The city centre will be buzzing with lion and dragon dances, live music, cultural fashion shows, and mouth-watering food stalls. The party starts at 12pm on Saturday, with the official opening—featuring the Lord Mayor, regional dignitaries, and a symbolic Ribbon Cutting and Eye Dotting Ceremony—set for 1pm.

Expect to see international champions from Foshan, China, performing an Acrobatic Lion Dance, a show so lively it’s like something out of a Kung Fu movie! (Yes, Foshan is where martial arts legends Bruce Lee and Ip Man hailed from.) Over 1,000 Chinese lanterns will light up the city, along with statues of all the zodiac animals for you to explore and maybe even find out what your sign says about you.

What’s on the programme?

Here’s just a taste of what you can expect throughout the weekend:

• Lion and dragon dances that’ll leave you in awe
• A cultural fashion show with traditional Chinese clothing
• Performances by groups like the Wanlin Dance Academy and the Sheffield Chinese Christian Church Gospel Choir
• A mix of global cultures, with Bollywood dancing, African drumming, and Roma Flamenco from the local group Welcoming Culture, led by Terezia Rostas

You’ll also hear the enchanting sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the Guzheng (a stringed instrument a bit like a harp) and the Pipa (a lute-like instrument). And for food lovers? Authentic Chinese street food will be in abundance—so come hungry.

Not just about fun—it's a festival with heart

This year’s festival isn’t just about celebrating culture; it’s also about giving back. A portion of the proceeds from ticketed events like the Lunar Gala on 10th February will go to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Diane Jarvis from Sheffield BID explains why festivals like this are so vital:

“Not only do they bring culture to the forefront, but they also boost the city centre at quieter times of the year. We’re thrilled to support this festival as it grows into one of the UK’s premier Lunar New Year celebrations.”

Highlights include:

• A light display at Sheffield Children’s Hospital running from 30th January to 10th February
• Performances at Meadowhall on 31st January
• A Charity Auction Banquet at China Red on 5th February, where you can feast while supporting a great cause
• The grand Lunar New Year Gala at the Octagon Centre on 10th February, with tickets priced at £12-£15

It’s about community, not just culture

This festival has quickly become one of Sheffield’s flagship events, and its success is down to its ability to bring people together. Festival founder Jerry Cheung sees it as more than just a Lunar New Year celebration:

“This is about creating an event that highlights the strength of our diverse communities. Sheffield is my home, and I’m proud of how this festival welcomes everyone. It’s truly a celebration of who we are as a city.”

The city has embraced the festival wholeheartedly, and it's already being compared to the likes of Lunar New Year celebrations in Manchester and Birmingham.

Don’t miss these key moments:

• Ribbon Cutting and Eye Dotting Ceremony: 1st February, 1pm
• Acrobatic Lion Dance: A jaw-dropping performance by Foshan champions
• Charity Auction Banquet: 5th February at China Red, with all profits going to Sheffield Children’s Hospital
• Lunar Gala: 10th February, the grand finale with music, dance, and storytelling

Why you should go

If you’ve never been to a Lunar New Year celebration, think of it as a mix of a street carnival, a food festival, and a cultural showcase all rolled into one. The Year of the Snake promises transformation and creativity, and this festival delivers that in spades—whether through its stunning performances, its vibrant community spirit, or its commitment to inclusivity.

So, grab your friends, head into town, and soak up the sights, sounds, and flavours of this spectacular event. Who knows—you might even leave feeling a little wiser, just like the Snake.

For full event details or to grab tickets for the Lunar Gala, visit cultural-inclusive.com.