Thousands expected as Chinese New Year celebrations return to Birmingham

Chinese New Year celebration organisers are expecting thousands of visitors to attend festivities in Birmingham city on Sunday.

Attendees can look forward to spectacular dancing, singing, acrobats, street food, arts and crafts activities, and a sensational fireworks display on 22 January.

The event – hosted by the Chinese Festival Committee and The Birmingham Hippodrome theatre – marks the new lunar year by ushering in the Year of the Rabbit.

The Sunday programme will celebrate the official first day of the Year of the Rabbit and mark a welcomed return to Southside after three years, with the newly redeveloped Hippodrome Square at the heart of the event.

James Wong, Chairman of the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham, is excited to welcome visitors to the celebrations

The festivities – which includes a plethora of performances and activities for all the family – will take place around Hurst Street and The Arcadian.

The Choy Lee Fut team, who provide the audience-favourite dragon and lion dances, will feature youth members to the troupe for this year’s celebrations.

A dragon weaves through the crowds in Southside during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Birmingham — The Choy Lee Fut team will perform in Southside during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Birmingham

The audience can look forward to some dramatic dances, colourful costumes, and firecrackers going off as the troupe bring their magic to Birmingham’s Chinatown.

James Wong, chair of the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham, said: “We cannot wait to welcome visitors to our festivities.”