In Chinese culture, 12 animals bestow their personality traits onto each zodiac year. This ‘Year of the Horse’ is all about energy, freedom and adventure. In the traditional Chinese calendar, the New Year begins with the first new moon of this calendar, which falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Birmingham’s celebrations will begin on the first day of the Chinese New Year, with market stalls and funfair rides in Hippodrome Square running daily throughout the half-term week. The free Chinese New Year festival, organised by the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome, will once more take place in Southside and the Chinese Quarter.
What can I expect from Birmingham’s Chinese New Year festival?
The free festival celebration takes place on Sunday, February 22, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse, and will begin with a traditional lion procession across Hippodrome Square and Chinatown. Meanwhile, the festival stage will host an all-day line-up showcasing the talent and creativity of Birmingham’s East Asian communities.
Enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary music, dance and theatre performances, alongside market stalls, funfair rides and family-friendly activities across Southside. This year’s celebrations are supported by the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, whose enhanced contribution ensures the festival remains free for all.
“We’re proud to once again co-produce an event that reflects the strength and vibrancy of Birmingham’s communities,” said James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee. “ The support of the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation plays a vital role in making the festival possible, helping us to deliver a free, accessible celebration that honours tradition, supports local artists and brings communities together.”
The full Chinese New Year programme will be shared next month.
What else do I need to know about the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is not only a major holiday in China, but in the likes of South Korea, Vietnam, and many other East Asian countries, too. Traditionally, it is a time to honour deities and ancestors, feast, and visit family, while celebrations focus on fireworks, food, lanterns and the colour red.
Celebrations then last for 16 days, this year ending on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and concluding with a Lantern Festival to mark the first full moon of the new year. The night sky is filled with lanterns to symbolise the return of light and spring. Iconic red envelopes, filled with money, are also handed out to children during this period.
What is the significance of the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse?
While the Year of the Horse comes around every 12 years, the zodiac combination of Fire Horse, linked with rapid transformation, comes around only every 60 years. Many predict a year of chaos or cultural change. In 1966, the Vietnam War escalated, England won the World Cup, and The Beatles performed the first major stadium rock concert in New York.