City News

Birmingham Hippodrome will be the second main performance venue for this year’s Birmingham’s Chinese New Year celebrations, sponsored by Lebara Mobile, it was announced today. The UK’s most visited theatre will be hosting colourful and breathtaking performances from Chinese opera to acrobatics and traditional dance.

Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee Chairman Jeffrey Yap said: “We are delighted that Birmingham Hippodrome is able to assist in opening up their public spaces this year.   This new partnership only serves to improve the experience of the Chinese New Year festival for the whole community and widens the area in which our family-friendly festival can be celebrated.”

The performances, taking place in the theatre’s foyer areas in the afternoon,  will kick off with the traditional Dragon Dance performed by Bai Ling Chinese Acrobatics Co Ltd (UK) who will make their way through the foyer areas ‘driving away evil spirits’ and ‘bringing good luck and fortune’ to visitors.
The theatre will also be decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns and Chinese themed food and special cocktails will be served - ideal for those who might want to celebrate Valentine’s day a little differently this year.

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Executive Birmingham Hippodrome, commented: “This is the first time the theatre has been able to provide performance space for the Chinese New Year celebrations and we very much look forward to welcoming everyone into the building to help usher in the Year of the Tiger.”