The lion dance to celebrate the year of the horse. — The lion dance to celebrate the year of the horse. | Steve Riding

placeholder image — The lion dance to celebrate the year of the horse. | Steve Riding

Colourful photos mark Chinese New Year celebrations at Leeds Merrion Centre

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 15th Feb 2026, 10:58 GMT

It was a colourful and vibrant celebration of culture and heritage to mark the Chinese New Year.

The Merrion Centre staged the festivities which provided a showcase of traditional music, arts and dance. The event was organised by the Leeds Chinese Community School, a charity dedicated to Chinese language education, cultural heritage and community engagement across the city. Your YEP was on hand to capture the spirit of the occasion with 2026 being the year of the horse. READ MORE: Watch - The A to Z of Leeds documentary

Dancers Feihong Guan and Kayan Tsang.

13. Merrion Centre

Dancers Feihong Guan and Kayan Tsang. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

A large crowd enjoys the festivities.

14. Merrion Centre

A large crowd enjoys the festivities. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

Crowds enjoy the performances.

15. Merrion Centre

Crowds enjoy the performances. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

All smiles for the camera.

16. Merrion Centre

All smiles for the camera. | Richard Walker/ImageNorth Photo: Richard Walker/ImageNorth

A youngster concentrates painting his lantern.

17. Merrion Centre

A youngster concentrates painting his lantern. | Richard Walker/ImageNorth Photo: Richard Walker/ImageNorth

Share your feedback with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

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Share your feedback with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding

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