Year of the Horse 2026

13 Feb 2026

Celebrating The Year of the Horse at Manchester

red horse background, with the year 2026 in yellow text

We welcome you into the Year of the Horse here at the University of Manchester, as we mark the new year celebrated through Chinese and Lunar New Year traditions in Manchester and around the world.

This year, the New Year begins on Tuesday 17 February, and is the Year of the Horse. In Eastern culture, the horse symbolises action, freedom and forward momentum. It represents moving forwards - a time for confidence, motivation and embracing change.

We have chosen to lead with reference to ‘Year of the Horse’ to remain focussed on the symbolism of the new year itself which is the common focal point for the celebration across all Eastern cultures; whether that be Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year or one of the many other cultural and regional variants.

All colleagues are welcome to join students and our community at events happening across campus and our city – check out our Year of the Horse webpage for full details.

Get involved

Manchester Museum Celebrates Lunar New Year

An evening of performances, including a traditional lion dance and a special collaboration with the Hong Kong Plucked String Chinese Orchestra. Visitors can also take part in arts and crafts workshops, and see live demonstrations of Su embroidery and traditional woodblock New Year prints.

18 February, 4-8pm, find out more

Quatuor Danel Lunchtime Concert with Cheng Yu (Pipa)

Presented by the UoM Music Department and the Confucius Institute, this special concert celebrates Chinese New Year with solo pipa, viola, and a world premiere pipa quintet performance. Followed by a public composition workshop at 2:30pm

19 February, 1.10–1.50pm, find out more

SALC Cultural Crafts

A Lunar/Chinese New Year celebration featuring a variety of cultural craft activities

25 February, 2-4pm, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC) Hub

Everybody is welcome to take part, whether you celebrate Chinese or Lunar New Year, or simply want to learn something new. There are also other activities happening around the university– spot red envelopes hidden around campus on Tuesday 17 February and share the luck on social media, and enjoy our lantern decorations in the Old Quad.

Further resources

This could be a challenging time for those who are away from home, unable to celebrate with friends and/or family. We have wellbeing resources for both students and colleagues, to offer support if needed.
Our multifaith chaplains are also on hand to provide support to colleagues of all faith or none.