BCI Supports Leed's Biggest Chinese New Year Celebration

Merrion Centre Welcomes Thousands for Two‑Week Chinese New Year Celebration Supported by the Business Confucius Institute

The Merrion Centre marked the Year of the Horse with two vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations across consecutive weekends in February 2026, drawing thousands of visitors from across Leeds. Supported by funding and on‑site staff from the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds (BCI), the events formed the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds, bringing together university students, local families, community groups, and nearby businesses for one of the centre’s most successful cultural programmes to date. The event was also attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Barry Anderson.

A Colourful Opening Weekend Filled With Dance, Music, and Community Spirit

The first celebration, held on Saturday 14 February, was hosted by the BCI's long term partner, Leeds Chinese Community School. They transformed the main mall into a lively festival space from late morning through to the afternoon. Visitors took part in hands‑on cultural workshops including calligraphy, Chinese painting, lantern decorating, and fan painting, which remained busy throughout the day.

A series of performances followed, beginning with a high‑energy Lion Dance parade and a formal welcome. Audiences enjoyed a rich programme featuring:

• Children’s Tibetan and traditional Chinese dances
• Adult performances including Mongolian folk dance, Dunhuang dance, and classical Chinese styles
• Traditional clapper storytelling
• Live music on the guzheng, erhu, and piano
• A lion dance and fortune god performance

Throughout the event, BCI staff hosted an information stall, speaking with visitors about Chinese language, culture, and opportunities at the University of Leeds.

A Second Weekend of Festivities Brings Fresh Performances and Workshops

The celebrations continued on Saturday 21 February, with the Merrion Centre once again filled with music, movement, and cultural activity. This day's events was hosted by the BCI's long term partner, New Vision Education Chinese School. Performances showcased:

• New Year welcome dances
• Children’s and adults’ choirs
• Solo zither performances
• Music House instrumental pieces
• Adult Chinese dance
• A Hanfu and Qipao fashion showcase, highlighting traditional Chinese dress

Alongside the performances, visitors took part in drop‑in workshops offering calligraphy, lantern painting, and origami, which proved especially popular with families.

As with the first event, the Business Confucius Institute provided funding support and staffed a stall throughout the afternoon, helping visitors engage more deeply with the cultural significance of the celebrations.

Strengthening Cultural Connections Across Leeds

Together, the two events created one of the Merrion Centre’s most successful Chinese New Year programmes to date. The celebrations highlighted the strength and diversity of Leeds’ Chinese community while offering thousands of visitors the chance to experience traditional arts, crafts, and performances.

Organisers described the fortnight as “a joyful celebration of culture, community, and togetherness,” noting that the continued partnership with the Business Confucius Institute played a key role in expanding the scale and reach of the festivities.