Sheffield will welcome the Lunar New Year in a big way this February, as Cultural Inclusive and Sheffield City Council bring the city’s largest celebration yet on February 1-2, 2025. Transforming the city centre with a packed program of events and vibrant displays, the festival is designed to engage people from all backgrounds, establishing Sheffield as a central destination for Lunar New Year celebrations in the region.
The festival will feature 1,000 Chinese lanterns across Sheffield, a lively main stage in the Peace Gardens, and cultural showcases like the World Champion Foshan Lion Dance Troupe, known for their acrobatic prowess and spectacular movements on a towering 15-meter structure. This internationally acclaimed troupe will perform in Sheffield for the first time, promising an unforgettable highlight to the weekend.
In addition to the Lion Dance, the festival will include 2-meter-tall zodiac lanterns representing each of the Chinese zodiac signs. Each lantern will be paired with an interactive QR code, allowing attendees to learn more about their personal zodiac and the Year of the Snake.
Festival founder and Cultural Inclusive leader Jerry Cheung expressed his excitement, saying, “As part of Cultural Inclusive, we’re incredibly proud to be organizing this year’s Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival. Our mission is to create an inclusive platform that celebrates the richness and diversity of all cultures, and events like this offer a perfect opportunity to showcase that.”
In addition to the impressive displays and performances, festivalgoers can explore a wide variety of food stalls, live cultural performances, and interactive workshops. These events build upon the success of past Lunar New Year festivities in Sheffield, which have grown from smaller gatherings into a citywide celebration recognized for its contributions to the community. Recently, the festival was nominated for the Spirit of Sheffield Award at the Sheffield Business Awards, marking its significant impact on the community after only one year.
With strong support from Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield BID, and local business leaders, the 2025 festival promises an inclusive celebration for the entire city. For more information and updates, visit Cultural Inclusive.
