Merrion Centre once again hosts Leeds city centre’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Vibrant Cultural Festivities Return Following Previous Year’s Success
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of cultural performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. This year’s event, once again supported by the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds, promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering something for visitors of all ages.
On Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st February 2026, the Merrion Centre will be alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year, with a wide range of events designed to celebrate Chinese heritage and culture. Visitors can look forward to traditional lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, live musical performances, and hands-on workshops, all in a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said
“We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre. This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community, but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”
TCS/Meririon
Photograph by Richard Walker/ImageNorth
A Partnership with Leeds Chinese Community School & New Vision Education Chinese School
The Merrion Centre is pleased to partner once again with various Leeds based Chinese Schools to create an event that highlights the best of Chinese culture. With their continued support, the 2026 celebrations will offer a variety of activities for all ages and interests.
Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented, “We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse. The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added, “The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
A Cultural Extravaganza
This year’s festivities will include a variety of cultural performances, including traditional Chinese music and dance, martial arts demonstrations, and live calligraphy and cooking sessions. Attendees can also participate in interactive workshops to learn more about Chinese customs, try their hand at Chinese arts, and explore the symbolism behind the Year of the Horse.
FREE Chinese Workshops will be offered during the February half-term holidays, from 18th–20th February 2026, where children can join Leeds Chinese Community School for a hands-on experience and get creative with traditional arts & crafts (including lantern painting and calligraphy writing), and create beautiful origami, alongside Chinese Dance Lessons and Musical Workshops.
Additionally, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of authentic Asian cuisine and beverages thanks to the many eateries based at the Merrion Centre including popular restaurants such as Blue Sakura, Gong Cha, Blue Pavilion, Eatime, and MeetFresh, where guests can sample traditional flavours from China and other parts of Asia.
Digital Engagement
In response to the growing presence of the Chinese community and international students in Leeds, the Merrion Centre is also continuing to expand its digital presence through platforms like RedNote (Xiaohongshu), connecting directly with Chinese audiences and offering updates and insights into the celebrations.
Plan Your Visit
The Chinese New Year festivities will take place at the Merrion Centre on:
- Saturday, 14th February 2026
- Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th February (Workshops)
- Saturday, 21st February 2026
For more information and a full event schedule, please visit merrioncentre.co.uk.
Join us as we celebrate the Year of the Horse with two fantastic weekends of cultural performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities!