Sheffield’s Biggest Ever Lunar New Year Festival Returns in 2026

Get ready, because Sheffield is about to host its biggest ever Lunar New Year festival, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable city-wide celebration. For a whole week in February 2026, the city will be buzzing with energy, colour, and sound to welcome the Year of the Horse. The main event is a massive, free-to-attend weekend festival packed with incredible performances and activities for everyone. Think of it as a huge party that brings the entire community together for a fantastic Chinese New Year celebration.

A festival for the whole city

This isn't just a one-day event; it's a full-blown festival that takes over the whole of Sheffield. The main celebration will be a free two-day party in the Peace Gardens on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February. But the fun doesn't stop there. The programme of activities is spread across the city, with special events happening at The Octagon, Meadowhall, and even Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Now in its third year as a major public event, the festival has grown massively, bringing together partners like Sheffield City Council, Sheffield BID, and this year’s title sponsor, the international car brand Chery, to create something truly special for the whole city.

What's on during the big weekend?

The weekend of 21st and 22nd February is when the celebration really kicks into high gear in the Peace Gardens. Imagine the city centre filled with the smells of delicious street food, the sounds of live music, and the sight of spectacular parades. A huge highlight will be the world-class Chinese acrobats and the internationally famous Acrobatic Lion Dance team all the way from Foshan, China. These performances are the kind of thing you see on TV, and they'll be right here in Sheffield. On Sunday, a crowd will gather outside the Town Hall for the traditional Eye-Dotting Ceremony, a symbolic moment that 'awakens' the lions before they lead a parade through the city. The Peace Gardens stage will feature a non-stop programme of performances, from martial arts and dragon dances to a cultural fashion show, ensuring the weekend is a world-class show for everyone.

More than just the weekend celebration

The Lunar New Year festival fun starts long before the main weekend. The entire week is packed with a fantastic programme of cultural events. The celebration officially kicks off on Monday 16th February with a special light switch-on at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, bringing some festive cheer to the children and staff. Then, on Wednesday 18th February, The Octagon will host a ticketed Gala Spectacular. This show is an amazing evening of Chinese acrobatics, dance, and martial arts, with all the money raised going to The Children’s Hospital Charity, so it's a great night out for a brilliant cause. And on Friday 20th February, Meadowhall will host a free evening of performances at The Oasis, which follows a week of cultural exhibitions in The Gallery from 15th-20th February. It’s an inclusive programme with something for the whole family.

An international and inclusive event

What makes this festival so special is that it’s a truly inclusive and international celebration. While it's rooted in Chinese tradition, the event brings together people from all backgrounds. This year’s programme will showcase performances from South Asian, African, Roma, Filipino, and Thai communities, as well as the Sheffield Kerala Association. One of the standout moments will surely be the International Cultural Costume Show, choreographed by former supermodel Heather Stewart-Whyte. It’s a show that champions diversity and brings together models and community representatives from across South Yorkshire. This focus on being an inclusive event for every community is at the core of the festival’s spirit.

Festival organiser Jerry Cheung said:

This festival has always been about more than just performance. It’s a chance for us to come together, to learn from each other, and to build bridges between communities. The response in 2025 was incredible – and this year, we want to take that even further. Sheffield is a city of many cultures, and this festival belongs to all of us.

Bringing the festival to the community

The Lunar New Year festival is all about community. In the run-up to the main event, the Sheffield Confucius Institute will be offering free cultural workshops to schools across the city. Children will get the chance to try calligraphy, brush painting, and even learn a little Mandarin. It’s a wonderful way to connect young people with different cultures. The festival also gives a huge boost to the city. Last year, the event brought in an extra £253,000 in sales for city centre businesses and raised over £12,000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity. It shows how a cultural celebration can bring real benefits to the entire community.

Diane Jarvis, Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield BID said:
“Sheffield BID is proud to support the city centre celebrations for Lunar Chinese New Year 2026 for a third year. As a major partner to this festival, our focus is on ensuring events like the Peace Gardens weekend bring real vibrancy, footfall and economic benefit into the heart of Sheffield. This festival showcases the best of our city’s cultural energy, and we’re delighted to help create a welcoming and engaging experience for businesses, visitors and communities alike.”

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:

Lunar New Year has quickly become one of Sheffield’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, and we are delighted to support its return for 2026. This year’s festival is set to be the biggest and most inclusive yet, showcasing the incredible diversity, creativity and community spirit that make our city so special. Bringing world‑class performances, family activities and city‑wide events, the festival not only celebrates Sheffield’s rich multicultural identity but also brings thousands of people into the city centre, supporting local businesses and creating unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. We are proud to work alongside Cultural Inclusive CIC, Sheffield BID and partners across the city to help make this celebration possible. The festival truly reflects the welcoming, vibrant and outward‑looking Sheffield we continue to build together.

All the key details you need

Here’s a quick rundown of the key moments in this amazing Chinese New Year programme so you don't miss a thing. This year is set to be a fantastic cultural event for the whole city.

• Monday 16th February – Lights Switch-On at Sheffield Children’s Hospital

• Wednesday 18th February – Gala Spectacular show at The Octagon (this is a ticketed event)

• Friday 20th February – Free performances at Meadowhall

• Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February – The main free festival weekend in the Peace Gardens

• Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February – Take part in The Chery Challenge at the Chery stand to win prizes

• Sunday 22nd February – The symbolic Eye-Dotting Ceremony outside the Town Hall followed by a parade