Chinese New Year in Birmingham: Year of the Horse festival celebrations announced for Southside with funfair and markets

The countdown to Chinese New Year is upon us as the Year of the Horse is about to begin.

To kick off the celebrations in Birmingham a Chinese Market with select stalls and funfair rides for children taking over Hippodrome Square.

Situated in China Town in front of Birmingham Hippodrome the market is opening during half term on Tuesday, February 17 until Saturday, February 21.

Then on Sunday, February 22 a huge festival is taking place across the area with activities throughout the day.

Organisers say the festivities are shining a spotlight on the fantastic talent within the West Midlands with audiences set to be wowed with both traditional and modern music, dance and theatre performances. 

There’s also fun for all the family with funfair rides, free face painting, fire crackers and more.

And finally, the festival will finish with a bang - with a fantastical firework display.

Here’s more details on the 2026 Chinese New Year Festival in Birmingham

Celebrations begin with lion and dragon processions at midday, heading from the Arcadian to the Festival Stage on Hippodrome Square.

Audiences can then enjoy a packed line-up throughout the day, including K-pop dance, traditional Chinese dance, drummers, school choirs and more. Audiences will also have the chance to meet Pom Pom, the much-loved ten-foot panda.

Alongside outdoor celebrations, audiences can also experience The New Earth Theatre Makers Academy Plus Birmingham Showcase in the Patrick Studio at 1.30pm. The showcase presents the culmination of a five-month development programme, with six artists sharing bold, original performance work that challenges, entertains and inspires.

The Access Hub at the front of Birmingham Hippodrome will enable visitors to find out more about the line-up, chill out zone and accessible viewing point. 

Visitors can also borrow ear defenders, fidget toys and audio description headsets. The Festival Stage programme will have British Sign Language interpretation throughout.

Wider festivities will also be taking place from Tuesday 17 February - Saturday 21 February, including daily market stalls and funfair rides.

Matt Evans, Head of Festivals & Sites at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming in the year of the Fire Horse with local communities. Our free performance programme platforms local talent while celebrating culture and heritage; we can’t wait for everyone to experience the festivities.”

This year’s celebrations are supported by the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, whose enhanced contribution is helping to sustain and grow the programme of activity, whilst ensuring the festival remains free for audiences across the city.

Chinese New Year 2026 is co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome. This year’s festival is supported by The W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, in association with Southside District, The Arcadian, Birmingham Chinese School and finale champion Davisons Law. With thanks to Ying Wah Travel and Cathay Pacific.

Chinese New Year 2026 has also been supported by donations, partnership or in-kind support from Rainbow Casino, Chung Ying, The Southside Building and Birmingham City Council.

So get ready to wish each other Happy New Year, Xin Nian Kuai Le (in Mandarin) or Sun Nin Faai Lok (in Cantonese).

To find out more, please visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/chinesenewyear