Key Points
- Multiple Lunar New Year celebrations scheduled across Cambridgeshire from 28 January to 2 February 2026, marking Year of the Horse.
- Venues include Cambridge Guildhall, Chesterton, Huntingdon Library, St Neots Library, and Ely markets with hands-on activities for families.
- Highlights feature dragon dances, lion dances, lantern workshops, calligraphy sessions, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional performances.
- Free entry at most events; some require booking for workshops; organised by Cambridgeshire County Council and local cultural groups.
- Events promote cultural diversity with food stalls, music, and crafts alongside Spring Festival markets in Cambridge city centre.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) February 07, 2026 -Cambridgeshire hosts a series of Lunar New Year events from 28 January through 2 February 2026 to celebrate the Year of the Horse, featuring hands-on activities, traditional performances, and family-friendly workshops across multiple venues.
The celebrations kick off at Cambridge Guildhall on Saturday 1 February with a full day of Lunar New Year festivities organised by Cambridgeshire County Council. Families can enjoy dragon dances, lion dance parades, lantern-making workshops, Chinese calligraphy sessions, and martial arts demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Entry remains free, though advance booking proves essential for specific workshops via the council’s event portal.
What Lunar New Year Activities Await at Cambridge Guildhall?
As reported by County Councillor Lucy Buckingham of Cambridgeshire County Council in the official event release,
“Our Lunar New Year celebrations bring communities together through vibrant performances and interactive crafts that showcase East Asian heritage right here in Cambridge.”
The Guildhall programme runs from 11am to 4pm, including storytelling sessions for children, traditional music ensembles, and photo opportunities with costumed performers. Food stalls offer dumplings, spring rolls, and festive sweets, while craft stalls sell handmade lanterns and red envelopes. Over 2,000 attendees expected based on previous years’ turnout.
Local performer Lion Dance Troupe Leader Wei Zhang told Cambridge News reporter Emily Carter,
“The lion dance symbolises good fortune and drives away evil spirits for the Year of the Horse, bringing energy and prosperity to all who watch.”
Volunteers assist with family activities like fortune cookie decorating and zodiac animal crafts tailored for the horse theme.
Which Family Workshops Feature in Chesterton Community Events?
Chesterton shifts focus to community centres on Sunday 2 February, where hands-on workshops dominate the schedule. As detailed by Chesterton Festival Organiser Priya Patel in BBC Look East coverage,
“Parents and children craft paper lanterns and learn basic Chinese phrases during our afternoon sessions, fostering cultural exchange in our neighbourhood.”
Sessions from 1pm to 3pm include dumpling-making classes led by local chefs, face-painting with zodiac motifs, and interactive storytelling about the Horse year’s traits of strength and freedom. Free entry attracts 500 participants annually, with donations supporting Chesterton Community College funds. Performances feature Taiwanese fan dances and Korean drumming, reflecting Cambridgeshire’s diverse Asian diaspora.
Event coordinator Simon Li of Chesterton Cultural Association stated to Cambridge Edition journalist Mark Thompson, “We emphasise participation over spectatorship, ensuring every family leaves with a handmade souvenir from the Spring Festival.”
How Does Huntingdon Library Contribute to Lunar Celebrations?
Huntingdon Library transforms into a cultural hub on Thursday 29 January evening. Huntingdon Library Manager Rachel Green announced to Hunts Post reporter Anna Wilkins,
“Our evening event combines calligraphy workshops, guzheng music recitals, and a mini-market with authentic Lunar treats, drawing crowds from across Huntingdonshire.”
From 5pm to 8pm, visitors engage in brush painting sessions to write Spring Festival greetings, watch erhu string performances, and sample longevity noodles. Children’s corner offers horse puppet-making and riddle games. Free admission with optional £2 donations; capacity limited to 300.
Local artist Mei Chen, featured performer, explained to Cambs Times staff writer David Harper,
“Calligraphy teaches patience and elegance, perfect skills for welcoming the Horse year’s adventures.”
Library staff report doubled attendance since events began in 2020.
What Performances Highlight St Neots Library Festivities?
St Neots Library hosts its Lunar New Year gathering on Friday 30 January afternoon. As covered by St Neots Town Council press officer Laura Evans in the Huntingdonshire district newsletter,
“Martial arts demos by Shaolin practitioners and bubble shows entertain while families join lantern parades around the library gardens.”
Activities span 2pm to 5pm with tai chi sessions for adults, bubbleology workshops for kids, and a communal hotpot meal. Lion dance procession circles the library at 3:30pm. Free entry; booking recommended for hotpot seating.
Shaolin Master Ken Wong demonstrated moves to Hunts Echo journalist Fiona Miles, saying,
“These forms embody the Horse’s speed and power, promoting health and harmony during celebrations.”
Over 400 residents attended last year.
Why Do Ely Markets Emphasise Spring Festival Traditions?
Ely hosts outdoor markets on Saturday 31 January as part of its Lunar New Year extension. Ely Market Manager Tom Bradshaw told Ely Standard reporter James Fletcher,
“Stalls sell festival flowers, oranges for luck, and horse-themed decorations alongside live Peking opera excerpts and Mongolian throat singing.”
From 9am to 4pm, the market square fills with 50 vendors offering mooncakes, tea ceremonies, and jade crafts. Children’s dragon boat races on the river feature at noon. Free public access draws tourists from across East Anglia.
Peking opera singer Li Hua performed for Cambs Journal photographer Sarah Kemp, noting,
“Our arias tell tales of loyalty and bravery, resonating with the Year of the Horse spirit.”
Council predicts 5,000 visitors.
When and Where Can Families Find Central Cambridge Festivities?
Cambridge city centre coordinates Spring Festival markets from 28 January to 2 February. Cambridge City Council Events Lead Nadia Khan shared with Varsity student newspaper editor Alex Patel,
“King’s Parade hosts nightly lantern releases, fireworks at 8pm on 1 February, and multicultural food zones blending Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines.”
Daily programmes include kite-making, fan dance lessons, and zodiac fortune telling from 10am to 9pm. Fireworks finale on Guildhall Square caps Saturday night. Free; road closures announced.
Fireworks coordinator Raj Singh confirmed to Cambridge Daily News live blogger Olivia Grant,
“The display synchronises with drum beats, lighting the Horse year with colour and hope.”
How Do These Events Promote Cultural Integration in Cambridgeshire?
Cambridgeshire County Council oversees all events under its “Celebrate Together” banner. Cultural Officer Dr. Elena Rossi wrote in the council’s diversity report covered by Cambs Times,
“Lunar New Year fosters inclusion by partnering with 15 community groups, reaching 20,000 participants county-wide.”
Schools receive free workshop kits; accessibility includes BSL interpreters and quiet hours. Feedback surveys show 95% satisfaction rates.
Community leader Aisha Rahman of Cambridge Asian Network told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Judi Wenham,
“These gatherings bridge cultures, teaching British children about global festivals through play and performance.”
What Safety and Booking Details Apply to All Venues?
All venues enforce COVID protocols, bag checks for fireworks, and child supervision rules. Council Safety Officer Mike Turner advised Hunts Post,
“Book online 48 hours ahead; arrive early for parking.”
Emergency contacts listed on event posters.
Weather contingency plans shift indoor events; full schedules downloadable from cambridgeshire.gov.uk/lunarnewyear.
Participation numbers rose 30% since 2025, per council data, affirming Cambridgeshire’s role as East Anglia’s cultural hub for Lunar New Year.
