Sheffield is set to welcome the Year of the Snake with its biggest Lunar Chinese New Year Festival yet taking place across the city from 30th January to 10th February 2025.
Headlining the festival is the free two-day Peace Gardens Lunar Fair, held on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February, featuring a packed programme of cultural performances, live music, and spectacular lion and dragon dances. The festival has just announced the full range of performances and timings for the entire event, supported by Sheffield BID.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “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.”
The festival begins on Thurs 30th Jan with a dazzling light switch-on at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. On 31st January, Meadowhall will host a family-friendly Lunar New Year preview, offering a taste of the excitement to come with highlights from the festival programme which takes place in Sheffield City Centre over the weekend.
The weekend in the Peace Gardens promises something for everyone, with performances from the internationally renowned Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe, the sensational Wanlin Dance Academy, and cultural performances including Bollywood, Flamenco, and African drumming.
Festival Goers can also explore authentic food stalls, enjoy live music, and discover their Chinese zodiac sign at interactive displays. The event opens at 12pm on both days and will feature key moments like the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony, symbolic acts that awaken the festival’s spirit.
With over 1,000 Chinese lanterns decorating the city, the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival 2025 will be a free event open to all. The full weekend programme can be found here.
