Chinese New Year | School of Modern Languages

What’s happening:

Join the Confucius Institute and Newcastle Chinatown on 22 February 2026 for a fun-filled day celebrating Chinese New Year.

Hanfu Parade

11:30–12:15 | From the Monument to the Arch of Chinatown

See participants dressed in traditional Chinese clothing parading through the streets.

Performance at the Chinatown Arch

11:00–11:30 | Chinatown Arch Performance

Enjoy a cultural performance against the iconic Chinatown Arch.

Chinese New Year. Stamp Zone. Collect all stamps to claim your prize. Logos included of Xiamen University, Confucius Institute and Newcastle University

Chinese Culture Workshops

10:00–16:00 | Junction of Bath Lane & Stowell Street

Hands-on experiences for all ages, including:

Pitch-pot (Touhu)
Table tennis
Tai Chi fan
Movable-type printing
Lacquer fan making
Traditional rubbing art

Collect stamps as you try each activity and exchange them for a small gift

Please print your stamp booklet in advance if you want to join the workshops.

Come along and explore Chinese culture, enjoy performances, and celebrate the Chinese New Year with us!

Take a look at our poster showing the parade route Poster for Chinese New Year (0.3 MB)

Description of poster

2026 Year of the Horse

Sunday 22nd February 2026

Parade route

1. Start: Greys Monument

2. Chinese Arch

3. North East Chinese Association

4. Food/ Market Vendors

5. Childrens Arts and Crafts Tent

6. Fairground Rides

7. Finish at Fujiyama Restaurant

Newcastle Chinese Lunar New Year

11:00 -15:30

Eye dotting ceremony followed by parade at Greys Monument 11:30.

Food/ Market Stalls and Activity Arts Craft Tent, Bath Lane from 10:30.