Sheffield Chinese New Year Festival 2026 | 中国节日庆祝
Event details
Description
Happy Chinese New Year!
Once again, the University of Sheffield Confucius Institute is excited to be part of Sheffield’s city wide Chinese New Year celebrations, bringing communities together to welcome a new year filled with hope, culture and connection.
The year of the horse:
2026 marks the year of the horse, a symbol of energy, freedom and forward movement. In Chinese culture the horse represents confidence, passion and perseverance. It is a year associated with action, adventure and embracing change.
Join us as Sheffield celebrates this vibrant new year with festivities that honour tradition while looking ahead to a bright, spirited future.
What’s on:
- Sunday 15 Feb- Friday 20 Feb: Lantern Making Workshops - Create your own traditional lanterns with the guidance of our talented teachers, perfect for children!
- Sunday 15 Feb: Chinese Students' and Scholars' Association Society Gala
- Monday 16th February, 5:30pm Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Concert
A rare opportunity to catch the powerful sound of Chinese plucked string instruments in Sheffield, played by a globetrotting ensemble. The Hong Kong Plucked String Chinese Orchestra promotes and develops the rich and unique legacy of Chinese plucked string music – with instruments such as the guzheng and the pipa. They inherit the foundation of the plucked string instrument arrangement from the Tang dynasty court music tradition.
- Wednesday 18 Feb, 5:30-9:30pm Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Gala at the Octagon
Join us for an evening of amazing musicians, acrobats, artists and performers.
As one of the largest multi-cultural events in Sheffield, this event has always been strongly supported by the city, Sheffield council, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Consulate. Every year the gala is attended by senior representatives from across the region, the Chinese Embassy and Consulate who give speeches. This year we are extremely proud to be working with Sheffield Children’s Hospital as our nominated charity - meaning your donations will help change lives.
- Friday 20 Feb: Dragon Dance at Meadowhall
Enjoy an energetic and colourful dragon dance performance, always a crowd favourite and a perfect way to bring in the new year.
- Friday 20 Feb: Changing Seasons exhibition at Western Park Museum highlighting the stories, culture, and resilience of Sheffield’s East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) community.
- Saturday 21-22 February: Visit us in Peace Gardens where you'll find hands on craft sessions, cultural demonstrations, calligraphy and opportunities to explore Chinese arts, language and traditions.
- Free taster workshops for local schools
To Book
- Please download the Booking Form (a copy will be created for you).
- Then go to File → Download to save it to your local drive.
Fill it in, and email the completed form to confucius@sheffield.ac.uk
Previous Lunar New Year Celebrations
2025 Sheffield Lunar New Year Gala - The Year of the Snake
- Held: February 2025
- Venue: Performance Venues, The Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, Sheffield S10 2TQ
2024 Sheffield Lunar New Year Gala - The Year of the Dragon
- Held: 11 February 2024
- Venue: Performance Venues, The Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, Sheffield S10 2TQ
2023 Sheffield Lunar New Year Gala - The Year of the Rabbit
- Held: Tuesday 24 January 2023, 5-9pm
- Venue: Sheffield City Hall, Barker’s Pool, Sheffield S1 2JA
2022 Sheffield Online Spring Festival Gala - The Year of the Tiger
- Held Sunday 13 of February 2022, 7pm UK time
- Venue: The Octagon Centre, Sheffield S10 2TQ
Watch the Gala LIVE on Youtube
2021 Sheffield Online Spring Festival Gala - The Year of the Ox
- Held: Sunday 7 of February 2021. 1PM UK time
- Venue: YouTube account: Sheffield Chinese New Year
For more information, contact:
Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk