Leicester’s legendary Chinese New Year celebrations will be wowing the crowds in the city centre once again this weekend.
As Leicester gets ready to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 – which officially begins on Tuesday, February 17 and runs through to Tuesday, March 3 – and welcome the ‘Year of the Horse’, A spectacular weekend of colour, culture and community will be returning to the city centre next month.
The celebrations are being organised by Cosmopolitan Arts and kick off on Saturday, February, 21 with a vibrant takeover of Highcross Leicester from 1pm to 6pm.
The afternoon’s rich programme of performances will feature a Leicester first: Bian Lian, a 300-year-old art form where professional face changers, use lighting-fast secret techniques to switch brightly coloured layered silk masks.
Visitors to Highcross will also be able to enjoy dynamic martial arts demonstrations such as Tai Chi, captivating traditional dances including the iconic fan and ribbon dances, as well as live music from traditional Yue opera singers and pipa string-instrument performers.
Throughout the day, audiences can take part in free, hands-on workshops and be swept away by the energy of lively lion dances and processions, taking place all across the centre.
On Sunday, February 22, the festivities continue at De Montfort University with a spectacular lion dance performance taking place outside the Food Village at 3:00pm.
From there, the celebration spurs into motion with a procession through Leicester city centre from 3:30pm at Jubilee Square, featuring lion dancers, dragons, giant puppets, Buddhas and symbolic figures from Chinese traditions.
From 5:00pm, the procession will culminate at Town Hall Square for a breathtaking finale show. The grand closing performance will feature pyrotechnics, fireworks, lion dance, live music and an incredible fire sculpture.
This is a free, inclusive Chinese/Lunar New Year event for all to enjoy.
Commenting on this year’s event, founder and executive director of Cosmopolitan Arts, Amanda Leandro, said: “We’re extremely proud to be returning for another year, making this our 9th year of Chinese / Lunar New Year celebrations in Leicester.
“Over the years, this festival has grown to become the biggest celebration in the region, showcasing beautiful and vibrant Chinese arts, culture and traditions, promising an unforgettable free and fun experience for the entire family.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, added: “Seeing the centre come alive with colour, music and incredible performances is always so special, and this is another wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, experience something new and enjoy a vibrant family-friendly weekend.”
