Students: get involved

If you are a student and would like to get involved in the celebrations as a volunteer please contact us.

Spring Festival celebrations

Watch the video to find out what happens at our Spring Festival celebrations.

Spring Festival 2026: Tuesday 17 February

We want to wish all our students, staff and local residents a Happy Spring Festival.

Tuesday 17 February marks the first new moon on the lunar calendar and the start of the Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse in China. It is the year of the Fire Horse. The horse symbolizes optimism, opportunity, adventure, courage and ambition. The combination of the horse and "fire" elements means 2026 will be a year of dynamic energy, urging people to pursue their goals with enthusiasm and determination.

The Spring Festival is the most celebrated and longest of all Asian festivals and is observed by millions of people around the world. Different countries in East Asia hold their own new year celebrations at this time and we are pleased to be able to showcase those different traditions in our festival on campus.

We will be celebrating on campus on Tuesday 17 February 2026 from 12-2pm in the Forum Street and fireworks at 6.45pm at the rear of XFI. Everyone is welcome.

We encourage everyone to wear something red on the day to celebrate!

Forum Street

12-2pm

Join us for our vibrant street festival to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Performances:

Annabelle Lee - variety of classical instruments
Filipino Society - Tinikling Dancing

Stalls:

Lucky Red Packets
Make a New Years Wish
Year of the Snake Paper Crafts
Chinese Community Wellbeing Service
Chinese Knotwork
Calligraphy
Filipino Society
Mahjong Society
Singapore Society
Vietnamese Society
Indonesian Society

Forum Street

11-2pm

Enjoy a tasty bowl of Asian food at the pop up stall.

Rear of XFI Building

6.45pm

Watch the celebratory Spring Festival firework display.
(Please note there will be restricted pedestrian access around East Park, Rennes Drive and XFI from 6.30-7pm)

First Aid will be parked at the entrance to Streatham Court for the duration of the firework display, should you require it.

Information for local residents and families

This is an open event but please be aware that the street festival in the Forum (12-3pm) has been designed for students and there is very limited visitor parking on campus (car park C is nearest the Forum and is designated visitor parking with charges until 6pm). If you would like to attend the street festival we would suggest using public transport.
Parking is free after 6pm on campus and there is much more capacity to welcome everyone to our firework display at 6.45pm at the rear of XFI Building.

Photography Notice

Please be aware that photography will be taking place during this event. These photos may be used for promotional and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer or a member of our team.