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News • January 28th, 2025
|Sheffield is gearing up for an unforgettable Lunar New Year Festival, with celebrations running from 30th January to 10th February 2025. This year, it’s all about welcoming the Year of the Snake—and the city is pulling out all the stops with its biggest festival yet.
The centrepiece of the festivities? A free two-day event in the Peace Gardens on 1st and 2nd February, packed with live performances, food stalls, and traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances. Expect an explosion of colour, culture, and music—right in the heart of Sheffield.
Festival kick-off: Lights, lanterns, and previews
Things get started on Thursday, 30th January, with a light switch-on at Sheffield Children’s Hospital—a sparkling way to launch the celebrations.
On Friday, 31st January, Meadowhall will host a Lunar New Year preview, giving families a sneak peek at some of the incredible performances and activities lined up for the weekend.
The main event: A weekend in the Peace Gardens
If you love live music, dance, and cultural performances, this is your moment. The Peace Gardens Lunar Fair will feature artists from all over the world, including the Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe and the Wanlin Dance Academy.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Lion and dragon dances to bring good fortune
- Bollywood, Flamenco, and African drumming performances
- Traditional Chinese music and opera
- Interactive displays to discover your Chinese zodiac sign
- Authentic food stalls with delicious Lunar New Year treats
Plus, with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns decorating the city centre, Sheffield will be glowing with festive energy.
Saturday, 1st February – Key events
The weekend kicks off at 12:00 PM with opening speeches and traditional ceremonies at the Town Hall:
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – the official start of the festival
- Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony – a symbolic ritual to awaken the spirit of the lion dance
- A parade featuring a Dragon Dance from Fargate to the Peace Gardens
Afternoon highlights include:
🎭 Sichuan Opera Face Changing – a mesmerising art where performers switch masks in the blink of an eye
🎤 Solo singing performances, including ‘Someone Like You’ and ‘My China Heart’
💃 Bollywood, Flamenco, and Chinese Classical Dance
The day ends with a live band performance by ZOR Romani Music Band.
Sunday, 2nd February – More to enjoy
Day two brings even more music, dance, and culture:
🎻 Violin solos and bamboo flute performances
🥁 African storytelling through drumming
💃 Bollywood Fusion and traditional Ukrainian dance
🌿 Tai Chi demonstrations for those who love a bit of zen
🎶 Gospel choir performances
The grand finale? A huge singalong of ‘Gong Xi Gong Xi’ at 3:00 PM—a classic Lunar New Year song that brings everyone together.
Why this festival matters
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, says events like this are not just about celebration—they also boost local businesses during a quieter time of year. She hopes Sheffield’s Lunar New Year Festival will soon be as well-known as those in other major cities.
How to join the fun
The entire event is free and open to everyone, so whether you want to watch a lion dance, try delicious Chinese street food, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for you.
Want more details? Visit www.cultural-inclusive.com for the full schedule and updates.
Mark your calendars—Sheffield’s Lunar New Year Festival 2025 is going to be one to remember! 🎉🐍
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