The Heart of Cultural Festivals, Arts and Events in Leicester
Founded in 2011 by Director Amanda Leandro, Cosmopolitan Arts is a community interest company CIC based in Leicester dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the arts.
At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to engaging people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not usually access the arts. We aim to create high-quality, participatory arts experiences that inspire, challenge perceptions, and create community cohesion across cultural and social boundaries.
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
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Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with Cosmopolitan Arts, as we bring the community together for a dynamic festival of music, dance, workshops, art and more. Together we will honour and celebrate the rich traditions and cultural heritage of China in the heart of Leicester.
Cosmopolitan Arts, a proud National Portfolio Organisation, is thrilled to present its 2025 Chinese / Lunar New Year celebration. Commemorating the Year of the Snake, this event is set to take place on the 1st and 2nd of February in the heart of Leicester City Centre, made possible through the generous support of Arts Council England, Leicester City Council, and the Confucius Institute.
The celebrations will kick off on the 1st of February at Highcross Leicester, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant lineup of captivating performances from groups such as Chinese Whispers Ensemble and Euphoria, as well as interactive workshops.
Highlights include mesmerising traditional Chinese dances, music and instruments, as well as thrilling acrobatics. The workshops will offer hands-on experiences in storytelling and creative crafting, blending entertainment with education. Lion dances will also take place throughout the day at various locations across the city centre.
The celebration continues on 2nd February at De Montfort University, featuring a spectacular Lion Dance performance outside the food village at 2:30 pm. Following this, a lively procession will kick off at 3 pm from Jubilee Square, weaving its way through the town centre. The procession promises a fantastic display with lion dancers, puppets, dragons, Buddhas and traditional Chinese symbols.
Culminating at Town Hall Square, the celebration will transform the area into a hub of excitement from 4.30 pm onwards.
The square will be alive with lasers, martial arts demonstrations, pyrotechnics, lion dancers, and more. The pinnacle of the event will be marked by a breathtaking display of fireworks, providing a grand conclusion to the festivities. The entire experience guarantees to be a spectacular sensory delight for attendees of all ages. The Chinese / Lunar New Year celebration is free and open to the public. Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to join in the festivities and immerse themselves in Chinese culture and the Year of the Snake.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said:
“We’re thrilled to be involved in this year’s Lunar New Year festivities, and proud to be part of a city that is home to so many diverse and vibrant communities.”
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