'Such a vibrant celebration': Sheffield reflects on Chinese New Year festival
Thousands flocked to the city centre over the weekend
Last updated 6th Feb 2025
Sheffield is reflecting on what was a spectacular celebration last weekend - as the city brought in the Year of the Snake.
The event brought thousands of people together in and around the Peace Gardens, Fargate, and the surrounding areas to witness breathtaking performances, enjoy authentic food, and take part in one of the city’s fastest-growing traditions.
It was all thanks to those at Cultural Inclusive CIC with support from Sheffield BID and Sheffield City Council - who've called it a 'fantastic' and 'special' occasion for all who attended, capped off with stunning blue skies right across South Yorkshire.
With dozens of events on the roster - there were many standout moments.
One of those was the UK debut of world champion lion dancers from Foshan in China, with the troupe performing their breakdancing acrobatics performance of Lion Dance at the top of Fargate.
This year's Chinese New Year event saw a packed schedule at the stage on the Peace Gardens, showcasing a rich blend of global cultures.
Visitors witnessed the internationally renowned Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe, Sheffield's own Wanlin Dance Academy, a stunning cultural fashion show, and Roma Flamenco performances.
A special highlight of this year’s festival was the involvement of Sheffield’s schools in the celebrations, with nearly 600 students from 15 schools across the city taking part in a collaborative music project, coming together to sing Gongxi Gongxi, a traditional Lunar New Year song.
The festival, now in its second year as a large-scale outdoor event, was made possible through the support of Sheffield BID and Sheffield City Council.
Reflecting on the success of the event, festival founder and Cultural Inclusive CIC chairman Jerry Cheung said: "This festival has once again proved that Sheffield is a city that welcomes and embraces all cultures. To see so many thousands of people coming together to celebrate the Lunar Chinese New Year is truly special.
"A huge thank you goes to Sheffield BID for their vital support, Sheffield City Council for their backing, and of course, the people of Sheffield, who have once again made this festival an incredible success."
A 'vibrant celebration'
Yu Wang, Photographer & Cultural Curator, said: "I have been actively involved in cultural communication and preserving historical and cultural heritage.
"As a photographer working in the UK, I have focused on documenting and promoting the exchange between Chinese and British cultures through exhibitions and magazine publications.
"At the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year 2025, I had the privilege of exhibiting my work from the past five years, which explores the spread of Chinese culture and heritage in the UK.
"Being a photographer of 2025 SLCNY, capturing moments from such a vibrant celebration has also provided me with valuable material for a future photography exhibition in China, where I aim to showcase everyday life and festival celebrations in the UK.
"Through my work, I hope to contribute to a deeper mutual understanding between the two cultures."
As Sheffield’s Lunar Chinese New Year Festival grows year by year, it’s clear that this event has become a much-loved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar—one that will only continue to flourish in the years to come.
The festival will conclude with a Spectacular Show at The Octagon on Mon 10th Feb.
