Thousands Celebrate Lunar New Year in Sheffield With Dazzling Performances and Community Spirit

Sheffield’s Lunar Chinese New Year Festival lit up the city centre this past weekend, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the Year of the Snake. With no rain and clear skies, the event was a colourful, high-energy mix of traditional Chinese performances, global music and dance, and incredible street food. Organised by Cultural Inclusive CIC, with support from Sheffield BID and Sheffield City Council, this growing festival has become a key part of the city’s cultural calendar.

While the main weekend celebrations may be over, the festival isn’t finished yet! There’s still a charity fundraising banquet at China Red on Wednesday 5th February and a Spectacular Show at The Octagon on Monday 10th February to round off the celebrations.

Lion dancers from China stun crowds

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the gravity-defying Lion Dance performed by world champion dancers from Foshan, China. Making their UK debut, they thrilled audiences with an acrobatic display, leaping between high poles in elaborate lion costumes. The performance was so popular it ran four times over the weekend, with crowds gathering at the top of Fargate to watch.

A global celebration in the heart of Sheffield

The Peace Gardens became the main stage for a packed schedule of performances, blending cultures from around the world. Some of the standout acts included:

• Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe – mesmerising the audience with their famous face-changing and diabolo acts.
• Wanlin Dance Academy – showcasing elegant interpretations of classical Chinese dance.
• Welcoming Cultures Caravan Showcase – featuring a dazzling cultural fashion show and vibrant Roma Flamenco performances, both led by Terezia Rostas.
• Sunrit Culture Group – bringing energy with a high-energy Bollywood dance performance.
• Sheffield Chinese Christian Church Gospel Choir – adding an uplifting musical element to the event.

This diverse mix of cultures highlighted Sheffield’s multicultural community and its enthusiasm for celebrating traditions from around the world.

Hundreds of Sheffield schoolchildren join in the celebrations

A special moment this year was the involvement of local schools. Nearly 600 students from 15 schools took part in a collaborative music project, singing the traditional Lunar New Year song Gongxi Gongxi. A video of the performances, featuring the students alongside Concordia Voices, captured the spirit of unity and cultural exchange.

This project was part of a wider series of educational workshops and partnerships between Sheffield Music Hub, Cultural Inclusive CIC, and the Welcoming Cultures Caravan Showcase, designed to bring communities together through music.

Sheffield’s love for the festival keeps growing

Now in its second year as a large-scale outdoor event, the festival is fast becoming a Sheffield tradition. Reflecting on the success of this year’s celebrations, Jerry Cheung, chairman of Cultural Inclusive CIC, said:

"This festival has once again proved that Sheffield is a city that welcomes and embraces all cultures. To see so many thousands of people coming together to celebrate the Lunar Chinese New Year is truly special. A huge thank you goes to Sheffield BID, Sheffield City Council, and, of course, the people of Sheffield, who have made this festival such an incredible success."

But it’s not just about the celebrations – the festival also has a community impact.

• Profits from ticketed events like the Lunar New Year Gala at The Octagon Centre will support Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
• Sheffield-based photographer Yu Wang is presenting a stunning photography exhibition capturing Chinese cultural heritage and identity in the city.

More events to come

If you missed the weekend’s celebrations, there’s still time to get involved:

📅 5th February – Charity Fundraiser Banquet at China Red
📅 10th February – Lunar New Year Gala at The Octagon Centre (Tickets £12-£15)

Plus, the Sheffield Children's Hospital Light Display continues until 10th February.

The Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival is growing every year, proving that the city is an inclusive, creative, and culturally rich place. With a mix of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, it’s no wonder thousands are flocking to be part of it.

Will 2026 be even bigger? At this rate, absolutely! 🎉🐍