Chinese New Year Birmingham 2025: Where and when are the parades and fireworks?

Join vibrant festivities in Birmingham for the Year of the Snake. From dragon processions to fireworks, experience a blend of tradition and modernity in the heart of Chinatown.

Birmingham is gearing up for a vibrant celebration to mark the Chinese New Year 2025, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

The main festivities will unfold over the first weekend in February, transforming Birmingham's Chinatown, Hippodrome Square, and the city centre into hubs of activity.

On Saturday, vibrant lion and dragon processions, organised in collaboration with Bullring and Grand Central, will captivate audiences as they weave through the streets.

Sunday's events will shift to Hippodrome Square, where the Uber Eats Festival Stage will host an eclectic mix of performances. Audiences can expect everything from traditional Chinese music and dance to contemporary acts, reflecting the harmony of cultural heritage and modern artistry. Chinatown will be buzzing with food stalls offering authentic Chinese dishes and markets featuring handmade crafts and unique souvenirs.

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Saturday February 1

Hurst Street, Southside District - 12pm to 6pm - craft market, funfairs and street food

Bulling & Grand Central 12pm to 5.30pm: Lion dance procession and giant panda meet and greet:

12-12:45pm: Lion procession, starts at Rotunda Square

1-1.15pm: Lion dance, Rotunda Square

2-2.30pm: Lion Procession: Grand Central

3-3.15pm: Lion Dance, Rotunda Square

4-4.45pm: Dragon Procession, starts at Rotunda Square

Sunday, February 2

12-12:55pm - Opening ceremony - welcome speeches, firecrackes, Lion dance, K Pop dance performance

1-1:55pm - School choir performance, sword sparing and Kung Fu, Chinese instruments, Jasmine Flower Dance, Chinese & Scottish dance fusion

2-2:55pm: Dances performances, overseas Chinese Association school, Mingham Modern Dance school, Birmingham Culture and language school. Face changing performance, K- pop dance performance. Music and dance performance from Kaleidoscope. Ling Long- Umbrella Dance, Wan Sheung Dance Group.

3-3.55pm: Dance performance, K pop performance, Yue Opera, Tai Chi, sword sparing and Kung Fu, Percussion Trio.

4-4:55pm: Dance group, ribbon dance, pop dance, percussion trio,

5-6pm - Tai Chi, sword sparing, closing ceremony. Fireworks finale from 5.45pm.

Across both days:

• Panda Meet and Greet - roaming
• Face painting - Birmingham Hippodrome via Thorp Street.
• Snake puppet workshops,
• Lion Dance - the Arcadian

Fireworks and extended celebrations

The weekend will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday evening, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the Year of the Snake.