Sheffield is gearing up for its biggest Lunar New Year Festival yet, celebrating the Year of the Snake with an exciting series of events from 30th January to 10th February 2025. The centrepiece of the festivities is the free two-day Lunar Fair in the Peace Gardens on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February, offering cultural performances, live music, and vibrant lion and dragon dances.
The festival begins with a light switch-on at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on Thursday 30th January, followed by a family-friendly Lunar New Year preview at Meadowhall on 31st January, showcasing highlights from the weekend’s celebrations in Sheffield city centre.
The Peace Gardens Lunar Fair promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, with performances by the internationally acclaimed Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe, the dynamic Wanlin Dance Academy, and an array of cultural acts including Bollywood, Flamenco, and African drumming. Festival-goers can also enjoy food stalls, live music, and interactive displays to discover their Chinese zodiac sign.
The festival begins each day at 12pm, featuring ceremonies steeped in tradition, such as the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony, symbolic acts to awaken the spirit of the celebrations. Over 1,000 Chinese lanterns will adorn the city, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
“This festival is a fantastic way to bring Sheffield together, celebrate culture, and boost trade during a quieter time of year,” said Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID. “As a major funder, we are proud to help the Lunar New Year Festival grow and achieve recognition alongside celebrations in other major cities.”
The Saturday programme will include stunning acts such as the Sichuan Opera Face Changing, the Whirling Diabolo Extravaganza, and traditional Chinese dances like Beauty of the Qing Dynasty. Visitors will also enjoy a Gospel Choir performance by Sheffield Chinese Christian Church, Bollywood and Flamenco dances, and a European Folk Dance by Roma Girls Dance Group. The day concludes with a band performance by ZOR Romani Music Band.
On Sunday, highlights include a violin solo by Chia Hsin Lin, an African drumming performance by Sound Café, and Chinese ethnic dances such as Uyghur and Tibetan traditional pieces. The grand finale at 3pm will bring the crowd together for a spirited rendition of Gong Xi Gong Xi.
The Sheffield Lunar New Year Festival is open to everyone and is completely free to attend. For the full schedule of events or to learn more about the festival, visit https://www.cultural-inclusive.com.
