Bristol has plenty going on to kick off the Year of the Horse – join in the celebrations at these special Lunar New Year Events.

Chinese New Year Extravaganza at Redgrave Theatre, 31 January

Get ready for breathtaking acrobatics, Lion Dance performances, playful pandas and other impressive acts in this dazzling family-friendly show at the Redgrave Theatre.

Lion Dance Performance at Rock Salt, 17 February

Head to Rock Salt in Cotham for the Lunar New Year Celebration on Tuesday 17 February from 7pm, with a live lion dance performance from UoB Lion Dance Troupe. Rock Salt serves a flavourful fusion of both Chinese and Indian cuisine, sure to please *almost* every palate. Tables must be booked in advance.

Lunar New Year at Za Za Bazaar, 20 - 21 February

Watch a special lion dance performance at 3pm on the Friday and 7pm on the Saturday as part of Za Za Bazaar's celebrations, with special dishes and surprises for little ones.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Tiger Mum, 20 - 21 February

Chef Wizzy, former owner of popular restaurant Sky Kong Kong, will be bringing a special pop-up to her new site Tiger Mum on Merton Road in Bishopston. Head over to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a curated 3-course Korean menu. 

Lunar New Year at Wai Yee Hong, 21 February

Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong hosts the biggest free Lunar New Year celebrations in the city. Dance and martial arts performances, and an incredible lion dance. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature dance and martial arts performances at 11am and 1.30 pm. Plus, a lively street food market.

Chinese New Year at Wai Yee Hong - credit Wai Yee Hong
Image - Wai Yee Hong

Lunar New Year Festival at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, 28 February

Watch vibrant song and dance performances, marvel at martial arts demonstrations, and learn about Chinese culture at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to celebrate the Year of the Horse throughout the weekend, with all activities free to attend.

Bristol Museum will be celebrating Lunar New Year (also known as Spring Festival and Chinese New Year) with a packed weekend of music, dance, craft activities, Tai Chi, Kung Fu and lots more from 10am - 4pm on both days. Pick up a Horse Detective Trail and trot through the museum on a quest to find horses! The museum cafe will also have Chinese-inspired treats, and you can pick up some beautiful Chinese gifts in the museum shop.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery - people dressed in Panda costumes
Image -  Rebecca Noakes

25th Anniversary Chinese New Year extravaganza at Wong's, 26 February

Celebrate 25 years of Bristol becoming a twin city with Guangzhou in China and kickstart the Chinese New Year of the Horse with a bang! Enjoy a night of delicious food, dazzling performances, and festive decorations. Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite.

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market at Filton Community Centre, 15 February

Browse over 30 Hong Kong-run stalls, try some hot food, snacks and sweet treats, get involved with some crafting activities and family fun. There's also an optional dress code to match the 90s-2000s Hong Kong theme - dress in red, pink or hot pink!

Lunar New Year Rave at The Loco Klub, 16 February

Dress in your best red and gold fits for this rave to see in the Year of the Horse, with a brilliant DJ lineup, including K-POP's DJ XENITH. The fun goes on until 3am, with free red envelopes for all attendees.

Lunar New Year at King's Chase Shopping Centre, 16 - 19 February

Watch a lion dance at 3pm on Monday 16 February, bring along the kids to join in with some Lunar New Year-themed crafts from 10:30am - 1pm on Wednesday 18 February, or join a free kids lantern making session from 10:30am - 1pm on Thursday 19 February.

Lion Dancers, various dates

The University of Bristol Chinese Lion Dance Troupe will be performing in various venues across Bristol. Follow the Lion Dancers Instagram for updates.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery - Lunar New Year Pandas Lion Dance
Image - Barbara Evripidou

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