Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse

Tue 17 Feb, 2026

In partnership with the Confucius Institute at Edge Hill University we are celebrating Chinese New Year!

Many of us have heard of Chinese New Year, but might not know much about it… so we thought this was the perfect chance to explore what makes it so special!

Chinese New Year is celebrated by over two billion people around the world and is all about new beginnings, spending time with family, and looking ahead to the year to come. The date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar: this year it falls on the 17th February! Last year it was the 29th January, and the year before that it was the 10th February. We are especially lucky this year as it falls during the February half term, giving us this wonderful opportunity to celebrate together.

You might also hear Chinese New Year referred to as “the Spring Festival”, as it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. As the seasons change, people hope for fresh starts, positive changes, and maybe a bit of good fortune, too!

2026 is the Year of the Horse (the seventh animal in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.) Each year is represented by an animal, with the same twelve repeating every twelve years. This year is extra special because it is the Year of the Fire Horse, which only comes around once every sixty years (having last occurred in 1966!) The year of the Fire Horse is said to favour people who are courageous and are willing to put themselves forward, so if you’re hoping for a successful year, now is the time to trust yourself and take a few chances!

Chinese New Year celebrations often focus on family and creativity, with decorations playing a huge role. Red lanterns are an essential part of the celebrations, with the final day being marked by the Lantern Festival, when thousands of lanterns light up the sky, released by the crowd as symbols of letting go of the past year and letting the new one in!

We have a series of free workshops taking place today, including Dragon Crafting, (where you can create your own dragon,) Traditional Chinese Painting, (where you can try your hand at traditional Chinese writing techniques,) Dragon Dance, (where you can learn the movements of a traditional Chinese dragon dance,) and Lantern Making, (where you can make your own Chinese lantern to take home.) Each workshop is hands on, family friendly, and you will get to take home whatever you create on the day. All materials are provided and the workshops are completely free.

See you there!