Birmingham will burst into a blaze of colour as the traditional Chinese lion dance tours the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the arrival of the Year of the Snake on Wednesday 29th January.
Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar calendar and Birmingham’s Chinese Festival Committee is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing the joy of this vibrant spectacle with diverse communities across the city.
The tour will kick off at Birmingham Council House where the Leader, Cllr John Cotton and cabinet members will welcome the Lion. It will then proceed down Colmore Row, through the Business District before travelling to Nechells to delight pupils at St Clement’s School, followed by a visit to Wing Yip Supermarket and Aston University.
Audiences will be treated to the energetic and auspicious lion dance, a stunning tradition that symbolises blessings, power and wisdom. This cultural highlight is performed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead while warding off evil spirits to ensure a fresh and positive start.
James Wong, owner of Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant in Chinatown and a member of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “I have been organising the lion dance tour for five years now and I love seeing the joy it brings to people’s faces.
“The vibrant spectacle always brings a smile to people of all ages, and accompanied by the beating drums and clashing cymbals, it’s an experience I believe everyone should experience.”
This celebration marks the arrival of the Year of the Snake, a symbol of growth and renewal. People born in this year are believed to embody the snake’s traits of wisdom, intuition and charm, which are deeply valued in Chinese culture.
The spectacular Birmingham Chinese New Year celebration, sponsored by Uber Eats, will take place in Chinatown over the weekend with the main event happening on Sunday 2nd February from 12 pm to 6 pm. Don’t miss the dazzling Lion and Dragon dances and the chance to meet Pom Pom, the 10ft panda! The celebrations will conclude with a stunning fireworks display at 5.45 pm.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of street food, funfair rides and market stalls. On Sunday there will also be free children’s activities including snake puppet making and face-painting.
Jeffrey Yap, chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “The festival has become a cherished event on the region’s calendar. Last year, over 30,000 people visited Southside to enjoy traditional Chinese performances, K-Pop and delicious street food. Chinese New Year is not complete without a visit to Chinatown and I’m confident this year’s festivities will be just as lively and well-loved. Kung Hei Fat Choy!”