Lunar
New Year

01 March 2026 - 01 March 2026
A large crowd enjoying a traditional Dragon Dance in Sunniside Gardens for Chinese New Year

Opening Times

11 AM - 3 PM

Entry Fee

No

Booking Required

No

Venue

Sunniside Gardens

Lunar New Year is a festival that marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar. This year, Sunderland City Centre will celebrate the occasion on 1 March in Sunniside Gardens.

There will be plenty for everyone to enjoy, with a full programme of entertainment including musical performances, classical and modern dance, musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, and a fashion show. We are also excited to introduce a brand-new addition to this year’s programme – KPOP The Hunters!

The day will showcase cultures from across Asia, including China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Visitors can enjoy an authentic dragon dance and take part in a range of workshops, including paper-cutting crafts celebrating the Year of the Horse. Younger children will be able to create Chinese figures and horse-themed bookmarks.

There will also be opportunities to try the traditional arts of origami and calligraphy, while browsing a selection of Asian-inspired goods such as dragon puppets, masks and Chinese snacks.

Food traders will reflect the theme of the day, with Japanese street food specialists Arigato, bubble waffle favourites Yum Yaba, and NJ Catering offering an exciting selection of Asian dishes.

Join us as we dance in the Year of the Horse and celebrate Lunar New Year together.

Full programme to be announced.

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