Building on the success of the last two years of celebrations, which attracted over 3,500 people to the city centre, Newport is delighted to announce the return of its third Lunar New Year event in 2026.
Newport City Council and The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre are once again partnering to deliver a vibrant, family-friendly celebration in the heart of the city. On Saturday 21st February, visitors are invited to enjoy a full day of cultural performances, creative workshops, and festive activities celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse – all free of charge.
To mark this important day in the Lunar calendar, the day will begin with a procession led by Lion dancers, starting in John Frost Square from 10am and making their way through the city centre to The Riverfront Theatre. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lanterns or wear their best red attire to join in the fun.
From 11am to 4pm, The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre will host a packed programme of workshops, demonstrations, performances and interactive experiences. The event is free to attend, with no booking required, allowing visitors to come and go throughout the day and enjoy the festivities at their own pace.
The programme features a lively Dragon Dance Parade, alongside performances including the Dragon Ribbon Dance, Umbrella Dance, a Clarinet and Piano Duo performing Blue and White Porcelain and Lanting Xu, and a joyful solo performance of Gongxi Gongxi.
Visitors can take part in hands-on activities such as Chinese Calligraphy, Hanfu try-on, Tai Chi, Lantern Making, and Chinese Paper Cutting, as well as enjoy Chinese Storytelling, Shadow Puppets, and Gary Yeung’s Sketch Workshops.
Families can follow the Art Trail – The Jade Emperor’s Grand Race, meet the 10ft-tall Pom Pom Panda, and browse stalls offering Chinese food, drinks, handmade gifts, and food tasters.
The day will conclude with a spectacular Fire Sculpture finale, as the Fire Horse blazes to life to close the celebrations.
"This year's Lunar New Year celebrations are set to bring a buzz to the city centre once again," said Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications.
"This is already shaping up to be another exciting year of events in the city, with lots of fun activities for everyone coming up.
"We're delighted to be supporting what is shaping up to be a fantastic day once again with our partners at The Riverfront and Newport Live
"If you haven't been to the Lunar New Year celebrations before, I'd encourage you to give it a go, you won't be disappointed!"
Sharon Casey, Head of Theatre, Arts and Culture at the Riverfront Theatre, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Newport City Council again to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This will be a joyful day full of creativity, culture and togetherness, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Riverfront.”
For more information on Newport’s Lunar New Year celebrations and how to get involved in activities at home, visit newportlive.co.uk/lunar-new-year.
The Lunar New Year celebrations are held in partnership with Newport City Council and The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre and are part-funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting cultural events and community engagement.
