Chinese New Year 2026

CULTURAL SHOW - 31 JANUARY

Welcome to the Lancaster Grand Theatre for the fifth edition of our Culture Variety Show — a beloved highlight in the city’s calendar and, this year, our most exhilarating yet. Over one glittering evening we bring together masters of tradition and rising young talents, weaving a programme that sparkles with colour, rhythm and heart.

Feel the pulse as Shaolin kung fu masters command the stage with lightning precision, blending discipline, strength and breathtaking speed. In exquisite contrast, fifth-generation Kunqu successor Chloe Sun leads us into the refined world of China’s oldest opera tradition, where poetic gesture, silk-sleeved grace and crystalline vocals meet centuries of storytelling. Our Youth Chinese Orchestra adds a lush, cinematic sweep to the night — the shimmering voices of erhu and pipa, the warmth of bamboo flutes, and festival drums that lift the roof.

They are joined by professional dancers who travel from classical elegance to contemporary flair in a heartbeat, and by powerhouse singers whose voices carry melodies that are both deeply rooted and gloriously new. Because it’s our fifth year, we’re celebrating by leaning further into what audiences love: more tradition, more surprise, more togetherness. Expect new arrangements, beautiful costumes and staging that brings you closer to the action — from the whisper of a solo aria to the thunder of a full ensemble finale.

Whether you’re discovering these art forms for the first time or returning for your annual fix of inspiration, thank you for being part of the story. Tonight is a tribute to heritage, craft and community — and to you, the audience, whose enthusiasm has brought us to this milestone. Take your seats, silence your phones, and let the celebration begin.

• This year the cultural variety show takes place on Saturday 31 January at Lancaster Grand Theatre from 7.30pm. Tickets available now from the Lancaster Grand Theatre box office and online from its website.

CARNIVAL - 8 FEBRUARY

On Sunday 8 February the free family-friendly carnival and market take place in and around Lancaster Market Square, 10am – 6pm. The official festival opening ceremony is at 12 noon on the Market Square plinth, followed by a colourful, lively Dragon and Lions street parade.

At the carnival visitors can try workshops like calligraphy, Chinese traditional opera face mask painting and they can wear traditional costumes. There will be Chinese dance, instrumental music, singing and a Kungfu demonstration and drumming by Lancaster-based Batala.

The free carnival is a non-profit event. It and the festival overall are supported by funding from a number of bodies. They include Arts Council England, the National Lottery Community Fund, Lancaster University, Lancaster University Confucius Institute, Lancaster BID and Lancashire County Council and Hainan Airlines.

• On Sunday 8 February the free family-friendly carnival and market take place in and around Lancaster Market Square, 10am – 6pm. The official festival opening ceremony is at 12 noon on the Market Square plinth, followed by a colourful, lively Dragon and Lions street parade.