Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese Lunar New Year: Saturday 14 February 2026 

We love to bring new experiences to Biddulph, to increase awareness of different cultures.

This year, we celebrated the year of the horse. The horse embodies enthusiasm, speed and a fiery spirit.

People born in the year of the horse are believed to be hard-working, warm-hearted and fiercely independent.

We galloped into the new lunar year and enjoyed an exciting programme of traditional and interactive activities, which included Chinese folk music, Luna the dragon (a moveable dragon puppet, made from willow, tissue and fabrics created during sessions at the Town Hall, the Victoria Centre and the Youth and Community Zone, with help from children, young people and adults across Biddulph, supported by the Outside Arts project), a lion dance, Pom Pom the giant panda, Chinese food, Chinese calligraphy, a ribbon dance, a Tai Chi demonstration, an interactive umbrella dance and more.

We’re proud to have received this ‘Celebration of Community’ thank you from (The Rev) Yanyan Case:

‘On Saturday, as we gathered for the Chinese new year celebration at Biddulph Town Hall, we were blessed not only with the gentle warmth of winter sunshine, but with something even more special – the warmth of community.

Hundreds of people travelled from near and far to be part of this wonderfully organised event, a true reflection of the vibrancy of Biddulph – a place that dares to venture new things and to make a positive difference in the community life.

The event was opened by the delightful town crier. His greetings in newly learned Chinese, paired with his signature English humour, created a joyful meeting of two cultures. Many people from the Chinese community were fascinated by his presence, discovering something new about English tradition, just as we were sharing our own.

What stood out throughout the day was the extraordinary dedication of the town council. Staff and councillors alike were constantly present – ready to help, to serve, and to give of themselves wholeheartedly. It is rare to witness such generosity, willingness, and quiet sacrifice offered so freely for the sake of the community.

Together with the Beatitudes Chinese Christian Fellowship and the many new Chinese friends we were so glad to meet, we would like to express our deepest gratitude. The love and welcome we experienced were evident in every detail. For many of us whose families are far away, you truly turned our homesickness into joy.

As a Methodist minister, I am reminded that Jesus calls his followers to be ‘salt and light’ in the world. Salt preserves what is good from decay, and light shines into darkness. In this celebration, we saw those qualities beautifully lived out: goodness, kindness, and tradition were preserved, and the light of joy, creativity, and fun shone brightly for all to see.

Biddulph is truly blessed by all who serve it with such heart. Through your efforts, this town continues to grow as a place of belonging for everyone who calls it home.’

Here’s some photos, taken by Jasper Van Der Vilt Photography:

The project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Chinese Lunar New Year: Saturday 25 January 2025

We worked with Outside Arts and secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to bring the first Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations to the High Street,  celebrating 2025 as the year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac.

The snake is the sixth animal in the twelve year zodiac cycle and is an important motif in Chinese mythology, associated with traits such as wisdom and intuition. The year is considered to be a time for reflection and transformational skin shedding, offering opportunities for personal growth, creativity and change.

People born in the year of the snake are believed to be intelligent and graceful.

The traditional gift of Chinese new year red envelopes were given to visitors. The vibrant red colour symbolises good fortune and joy. Giving red envelopes is a way to send good wishes and luck.

We’d like to say a big thank you to:

Brimstone the Dragon – a six metre long giant roaming theatrical dragon puppet experience, commissioned by the Outside Arts project, and performed by the Autin Dance Theatre.

Yoyo and Lola Yau – who performed a variety of traditional Chinese folk music on a pipa, a four-stringed Chinese guitar/lute. The pipa has been played for two thousand years in China.

Amber Ho-Pike’s Tai Chi Group – who gave a demonstration of the traditional Chinese practice of tai chi, using balls to help with simple and easy exercise moves, involving slow movements, gentle stretching, breathing and meditation.

Funki Feathers Chinese Lion Dance – who performed routines choreographed to show their skill, dexterity and strength. The lion dance is a loud and colourful demonstration of traditional Chinese culture, enacted to scare away evil spirits and to bring good luck, health and prosperity.

Chinese Christian Fellowship – who sang the Chinese new year songs Gong Xi Gong Xi and He Xin Nian.

Biddulph Chinese – for providing Chinese food samples.

Biddulph Yarnbarms – for producing the fabulous dragon post box topper and the snake outside the Town Hall.

Here’s some of the lovely feedback we’ve received:

‘Thank you for making Biddulph such a vibrant community that we feel proud to live in. Well done everyone.’

‘Great event, lovely to have something different brought to the town.’

‘It was fabulous for something different in the town, we definitely need more stuff like this.’

‘We had a fantastic time, congratulations to all involved for putting on such a wonderful day.’

‘We as a family really enjoyed celebrating Chinese New Year, seeing the dragon was so much fun for the kids – thank you.’

‘Well done and congratulations on a fabulous event that brought colour and warmth to a January day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.’

‘Well done – not an average day on Biddulph High Street. Great way to open the community to different cultures.’

‘Big well done to all those involved. So much work has gone into this and it was much appreciated. We travelled from Buxton and it was worth the trip.’

‘I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday and to thank you for organising them. It was the first time we had been to Biddulph so we also took the opportunity to walk around and do some shopping.’

And here’s some photos: