Latest NewsJanuary 1, 20250 Comments
Sheffield will mark the Year of the Snake with the biggest Lunar Chinese New Year Festival ever seen in the city. Headlined by a free two-day celebration in the city centre on 1st and 2nd February 2025. Supported by Sheffield BID, the festival’s central event will take place at the Peace Gardens and feature spectacular lion and dragon dances, live music, cultural performances, and authentic food. This celebration is part of a wider programme running from 30th January to 10th February, which includes a light display at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, performances at Meadowhall, and the ticketed Lunar Gala at the Octagon Centre, with profits supporting the hospital.
The Peace Gardens Lunar Fair will turn the city centre into a hub of culture and celebration, starting at 12pm on Saturday 1st February. Hosted by Hits Radio presenter Liesl Soards and Dominic Ng, the event will officially open with a traditional Ribbon Cutting and Eye Dotting Ceremony at 1pm. The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunn, will join the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman, and the Regional Mayor, Oliver Coppard, for this symbolic ceremony, which “awakens” the festival’s lions. This will be followed by an Acrobatic Lion Dance performed by international champions flown in from Foshan, China, the home of martial arts legends Bruce Lee and his trainer, Ip Man. Sheffield will also be adorned with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns and interactive statues of all the Chinese Zodiac signs so the public can learn their sign and their horoscope.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a diverse programme of performances, including the Dragon Dance and Parade, a cultural fashion show, and displays by the Wanlin Dance Academy, Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe, and the Sheffield Chinese Christian Church Gospel Choir. Global influences will also take the spotlight, with Bollywood dance, African drumming, and Roma Flamenco presented by Welcoming Culture, an organisation led by Terezia Rostas. Visitors can experience traditional Chinese instrumental music on the Guzheng and Pipa, and savour authentic Chinese dishes from the many food stalls. Terezia said, ‘The Cultural Caravan Showcase is about bringing people together through the universal language of art and performance. The ”Lunar Year ” event has been organised with so much love and care and everyone is welcome to celebrate with us’.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, commented:
“Sheffield BID is proud to support the Lunar Chinese New Year Festival for the second year. Festivals like this are not only a celebration of culture but also an opportunity to bring people into the city centre and boost trade during a quieter time of year. As a major funder, we are committed to helping the festival grow and achieve the same recognition as Lunar New Year celebrations in other major cities.”
On 31st January, the festivities take place at Meadowhall, where visitors can enjoy highlights from the festival’s gala programme in a family-friendly setting. The festival will culminate on Monday 10th February with the highly anticipated Lunar Chinese New Year Gala at the Octagon Centre, where an evening of spectacular music, dance, and storytelling will bring the celebrations to a fitting close. Tickets are priced at £12 or £15 (plus booking fee), with profits donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. As part of this event Sheffield-based photographer Yu Wang will present an exhibition of her photographs, offering a captivating showcase of Chinese culture. Additionally, a charity auction banquet at China Red on 5th February will further contribute to the fundraising effort. Tickets for that event can be found here.
Jerry Cheung, founder of the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival and Chairman of Cultural Inclusive CIC, said:
“This festival is close to my heart because Sheffield is my home, and I’m proud to see how it has become a celebration that welcomes everyone. Lunar New Year is a hugely important date for many in our city, and the festival provides a space to share not only Chinese traditions but also the many cultures that make Sheffield what it is today. This is about more than just marking the Lunar New Year—it’s about creating an event that brings people together and highlights the strength of our diverse communities. I’m so proud to see Sheffield come alive during this festival.”
Councillor Jayne Dunn, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, shared her thoughts:
“As we welcome the Lunar New Year, I’m delighted to celebrate this occasion with Sheffield’s wonderful Chinese community. The contributions of the Chinese community have added so much to the cultural life of our city, and this festival is a chance for us to come together, enjoy the celebrations, and honour the traditions that make our community unique. I send my warmest wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year to everyone celebrating.”
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Following the success of last year’s Lunar New Year festival, I am delighted that this event is returning for 2025. As a new flagship event in the city’s cultural calendar, the festival presents a brilliant opportunity for the many diverse communities of Sheffield to come together.
“Events like this are not only vital to celebrate the city’s vibrancy and diverse cultural offer, but they also bring people into our city centre, into our local businesses and present local talent with opportunities to shine – this all benefits Sheffield and its people.”
Tchad Western, Chief Fun Officer for The Children’s Hospital Charity, added:
“Our friendship with the Lunar New Year team is growing stronger each year, and we’re delighted that this festival is supporting Sheffield Children’s once again. Sheffield Children’s is a hospital for children from all communities, and this event is a fantastic example of how inclusivity brings people together for a great cause.”
The Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac, represents wisdom, transformation, and creativity—qualities that resonate with the festival’s theme of diversity and renewal. The Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival is presented by Cultural Inclusive CIC, a local organisation dedicated to promoting culture and community in the city. Led by founder Jerry Cheung, the organisation also includes Martin McKervey, Tom Storey, Kelvin Quick, Regina Tan, Wanlin Steele and Dennis Chung, all of whom are committed to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that makes Sheffield unique
For more information about the festival, the full schedule of events, or to purchase tickets for the gala, visit https://www.cultural-inclusive.com/.