Birmingham hosts Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival this weekend

The colours, sounds and aromas of China will descend in Birmingham city centre this weekend with two days of exciting events to herald the new Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

The events, organised by the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and hosted by Southside BID, are to be held in Hippodrome Square and the Holiday Inn hotel on Smallbrook Queensway throughout Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.

Visitors to Southside will be treated to a feast of fun, culture and entertainment, with traditional lions dancing, multiple children’s activities and a street market.

Jeffrey Yap, chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, said: "We warmly welcome everyone to join us in celebrating this year's Mid-Autumn Festival. This cherished occasion, rich in tradition and symbolism, is a time to gather with loved ones, appreciate the beauty of the full moon, and share in the joy of unity.

“As we come together to honour our cultural heritage, we want everyone to enjoy the festivities, taste delicious mooncakes and participate in the many activities planned. Let this festival be a reminder of the importance of family, togetherness and the bright future we share."

The first day of the event takes place on Saturday 14 September in Hippodrome Square, off Hurst Street, from 10am. The free family festival will feature a range of cultural performances, children’s activities, lion dances and the Moon Festival Market.

The market will have various stalls to entice and excite visitors, including a variety of food offerings such as traditional Moon Cakes, jewellery, handmade wooden items and gifts, natural wellness products, and dressing up in traditional Chinese costumes.

That will be followed on Sunday 15 September by the second festival event, which will be held in the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre at the Holiday Inn on Smallbrook Queensway.

Activities will take place throughout the day, from 10.30am, including cultural dancing and music, face painting, more lion dances, fan and lantern making, and Chinese calligraphy

Julia Robinson, manager of Southside BID, said: “We are delighted to welcome this Chinese Festival to the heart of Southside, bringing a great deal of fun, enjoyment and Chinese culture to this part of the city centre.”