Open Today: 09:30 - 20:00
Cosmopolitan Arts, a proud National Portfolio Organisation, is delighted to announce its 2026 Chinese / Lunar New Year celebrations, officially welcoming the Year of the Horse with a spectacular weekend of colour, culture and community.
Taking place across Leicester on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026, the festival promises an inspiring programme of performances, dynamic processions, and participatory experiences for audiences of all ages.
The celebrations kick off on Saturday 21 February, 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 22nd February, 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.
“The events, organised by Cosmopolitan Arts, are held in partnership with Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the Confucius Institute, and we’d like to sincerely thank them all, as well as Highcross and De Montfort University for their continued support.”
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, added:
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Cosmopolitan Arts back to Highcross for what’s set to be a truly joyful celebration of the Chinese / Lunar New Year. 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.”
