In the heart of Lancaster, a centuries-old Chinese tradition found new life this February, as thousands gathered to celebrate the city’s fifth Chinese New Year festival. The event, held on February 8, 2026, was not just a showcase of vibrant parades and dazzling performances—it was a testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange, community spirit, and the creativity that bridges continents.
The roots of the celebration reach far beyond Lancaster’s cobbled streets, tracing back to Yuxian County in Hebei Province, northern China. There, for generations, artists have practiced the delicate art of paper-cutting—a craft recognized as a treasure of China’s intangible cultural heritage, according to CGTN. Using scissors and knives, these artisans carve intricate landscapes, plants, and fleeting moments of human life from a single sheet of red paper. Their work, especially during festive periods like the Year of the Horse, transforms humble materials into symbols of luck, prosperity, and artistry.
This year, the spirit of that tradition galloped across continents, landing in the northwest of England. The festival in Lancaster was the brainchild of Josh Leung, 27, and Percy Lee, 26, friends from Hong Kong who met while studying at Lancaster University. Their journey began years ago, when they attended Chinese New Year events in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Inspired by the grandeur of those celebrations, they decided to bring the joy and color of the Lunar New Year to their adopted city.
“Both of us like celebrating and we wanted to bring it over to Lancaster. We went all the way to other cities and celebrated Chinese New Year and we felt we should do something for the city,” Josh recalled in an interview with BBC. Percy, reflecting on his first days in Lancaster, said, “They are so friendly. When I first moved here they were so welcoming and when I got lost people would help me. The sense of community reminds me of Hong Kong.”
What started as a modest initiative has blossomed into one of the region’s most popular annual events, drawing crowds from across Lancashire and beyond. The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Margaret Pattison, expressed her pride, saying, “Lancaster is proud to once again come together to celebrate Chinese New Year and the rich cultural traditions that make our district such a vibrant and welcoming place. It will be great to see residents, visitors, and our Chinese community coming together to celebrate and mark the start of the Year of the Horse.”
Organized by a dedicated team of seven young Chinese students and graduates from Lancaster University, the festival is a logistical and creative feat. The day began at 10:00 GMT with an official opening ceremony on the Market Square plinth, followed by a colorful and lively dragon and lions street parade. The streets were adorned with hundreds of traditional Chinese lanterns, echoing the festive atmosphere found in cities across China.
But the celebration was more than just parades. The festival featured a packed cultural variety show at the city’s Grand Theatre, with performances by Shaolin kung-fu masters, Kunqu opera by Chloe Sun, and the Youth Chinese Orchestra. Attendees also enjoyed Chinese dancing, instrumental music, singing, and a kung-fu demonstration. Lancaster-based Batala brought the beat with their drumming, ensuring the energy never dipped for a moment.
Workshops for families and children offered hands-on experiences—calligraphy, traditional opera face mask painting, and the chance to don traditional costumes. These activities, according to the organizers, were designed to make the festival accessible to everyone, not just Lancaster’s thriving Chinese community. “The festival shows that ambitious, internationally focused cultural events can thrive in smaller northern cities,” Josh said, reflecting on the event’s growth and significance.
As the Year of the Horse approached, the festival’s theme resonated deeply. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes energy, creativity, bravery, enthusiasm, and independence. “The Year of the Horse itself is associated with energy, creativity, bravery, enthusiasm, and independence,” Josh explained. The organizers hoped to infuse the community with “new energy and happiness”—a welcome antidote to the often-gloomy British winter.
The journey to this milestone wasn’t without its challenges. When the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020, Percy and Josh, unable to return to Hong Kong due to travel restrictions, immersed themselves further in Lancaster’s local life. They founded Popber, a community interest company, to support independent businesses and organized the city’s Coffee and Tea Festival. Their efforts, often documented in YouTube videos, helped knit together the student population and local residents, setting the stage for even bigger communal celebrations.
Percy, who opened a Japanese restaurant called Tora Ramen in Lancaster last October, spoke fondly of the city’s beauty and its proximity to the Lake District. “Lancaster was my favourite city in the north-west of England,” he said. The pair’s affection for their adopted home is palpable—and infectious. “That makes us happy,” Percy said of seeing the smiles on people’s faces during the festival. “My parents taught me to dream big—and me and Josh share that mentality. The challenge now is how to make it better every year!”
The festival’s success has not gone unnoticed. Dr Derek Hird, interim director at the Confucius Institute at Lancaster University, said the institute was “delighted” to support Josh and Percy’s efforts. The event has become a major fixture in the city’s cultural calendar, with an “outpouring of positive feedback” from attendees and participants alike. “The fifth Chinese New Year festival was a major milestone for us,” Josh said, adding that the positive response has been overwhelming.
Looking ahead, the organizers are already planning for future celebrations. The Lunar New Year officially begins on February 17, 2026, and if this year’s festival is any indication, Lancaster can look forward to even more ambitious, inclusive, and joyous gatherings in years to come.
From the delicate paper-cuttings of Yuxian County to the bustling streets of Lancaster, the Chinese New Year festival has become a bridge—connecting cultures, generations, and communities. It’s a vivid reminder that tradition, when shared with open arms, can light up even the darkest winter days and leave a legacy of joy, creativity, and togetherness.