Millions of people around the world are getting together for Lunar New Year this month - one of the biggest celebration events of the year for predominantly east and south-east Asian communities.
This year marks the ‘Year of the Horse’ which starts today, with families and friends getting together to eat lots of food, enjoy fireworks, and wear special clothes to mark the occasion. For Birmingham, its Lunar New Year celebrations will return with a week of activities to mark the year of the Fire Horse.
Co-produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome, supported by the W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation, the annual event will feature traditional performances, market stalls, funfair rides and a firework finale, with events taking place in the city's Southside district, a short walk from New Street station, in an area home to restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the Hippodrome theatre. Organisers are asking people to get ready to wish each other Xin Nian Kuai Le (in Mandarin) or Sun Nin Faai Lok (in Cantonese).
With lion and dragon processions setting off from the Arcadian and heading to the Festival Stage, a Chinese market will take over Hippodrome Square until February 21, with select stalls and funfair rides and the main festival celebrations running throughout the day. Then,, on February 22, a day-long line-up will include K-pop dance, traditional Chinese performances, drumming and school choirs.
In addition, children can meet Pom Pom, the 10-foot panda, enjoy free face painting and firecrackers and watch a firework display to close the festival. James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, says: “I’m immensely proud of co-producing what will be an event that reflects the strength and vibrancy of Birmingham's communities.
“And it’s a vital role of the foundation's support in delivering a celebration that honours tradition, supports local artists, and fosters community cohesion.” W Wing Yip & Brothers Foundation trustee, Jenny Loynton DL, highlighted the legacy of Mr Wing Yip OBE and the family's commitment to giving back to the city, saying: “Their involvement is driven by a belief in promoting culture, education, and celebrating the diverse heritage that enriches Birmingham and the UK.
Head of festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome, Matt Evans, added: "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."
The Festival Stage programme will have British Sign Language interpretation throughout, with a chill-out zone and accessible viewing point for those who need it. Support has also come from the Southside District, the Arcadian, Birmingham Chinese School and Davisons Law.