Photo Diary | Chinese New Year 2025

 

The Lunar New Year in Newcastle upon Tyne has quickly become a must-attend event, and 2025 promised to be just as spectacular as years past. This year, the celebrations were held on Sunday, February 2nd, and they marked the beginning of the Year of the Snake. As always, the city’s Chinatown was the epicenter of the festivities, offering a perfect mix of culture, food, and fun for all ages.

I was lucky enough to join in the celebrations, and I can tell you that it was an unforgettable day!

The highlight of the day, without a doubt, was the famous Lion and Dragon Dance Parade, hosted by the talented performers of Edmund Ng's Choi Lee Fut Kung Fu. The energy in the air was electric as the parade kicked off at 11:30 AM from Grey’s Monument. Accompanied by lively drummers and a host of vibrant performers, the parade made its way through Blackett Street and Gallowgate, finally arriving at the stunning Chinese Arch on Stowell Street.

What makes the parade so special is the atmosphere — the traditional lion and dragon dances are a feast for the eyes, with the performers expertly bringing these mythical creatures to life. The firecrackers that exploded over the crowd during the start added to the drama, while the traditional dances kept everyone enthralled. It was a moment of pure cultural celebration and I'm so glad I managed to get out and see it for myself.

As if the parade wasn’t enough, the day offered so much more to enjoy. Over on Bath Lane, there were food vendors from China Town, making it the perfect spot for a culinary adventure. Whether you were in the mood for Chinese delicacies or craving something different, there was something for every palate. From noodle dishes to dumplings and beyond, it was a food lover’s dream come true.

For families, the festival also featured fairground rides and arts and crafts activities for the kids. I couldn’t resist stopping by one of the stalls offering cute paper dragon and snake decorations, which I just had to buy! They were too adorable to pass up and made for a lovely keepsake from the day.

After the parade, the celebrations continued throughout the afternoon at the Chinese Arch. There were cultural performances, live music, and an all-around joyful atmosphere. It was clear that the Chinese New Year celebrations in Newcastle have become a beloved tradition for both the local Chinese community and the wider public.

Newcastle’s Chinatown offers such a rich and vibrant experience during the Lunar New Year, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The blend of cultural performances, delicious food, and unique shopping stalls created an incredible environment for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the businesses in Chinatown offered festival specials, making it the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best Chinese cuisine and take part in the festivities.

If you didn’t manage to make it to the celebrations this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event. I can’t wait to see what the 2026 Lunar New Year brings!

Enjoy photos I managed to snap during the festival :D

I'd love to know what is your Chinese Zodiac? Mine is actually year of the Snake, which is the year 2025 landed on. So I'm hoping this year is MY year.