News
News
Merrion Centre Celebrates Landmark Year for Chinese New Year Celebrations
Thu 26 Feb, 2026
Thousands Attend to Experience Vibrant Cultural Festivities
The Merrion Centre has hosted its most successful Chinese New Year celebration to date, welcoming 41,584 internal visitors across its two main event days – representing a remarkable +33.53% year-on-year increase and the busiest celebration in the Centre’s history.
Across the full programme period, the Centre recorded 67,459 internal visitors, reflecting a further +17.80% year-on-year growth, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for cultural experience in Leeds.
Delivered in partnership with key community organisations including Leeds Chinese Community School, New Vision Education, and the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds, the two headline event days delivered an electric atmosphere, as visitors immersed themselves in a dynamic programme of traditional performances, workshops and cultural showcases*. Building on the momentum of previous years, the 2026 celebrations transformed the Centre into a vibrant hub of colour, sound and community spirit.
A Spectacular Celebration of Culture
Guests enjoyed a packed programme of live performances, including the iconic Qi Lin Dance, Tai Chi demonstrations, traditional musical showcases and elegant Hanfu and Qipao fashion displays.
Interactive workshops and family-friendly activities ensured visitors of all ages could engage with and learn more about Chinese heritage.
Extending the celebrations even further, the Merrion Centre also hosted three additional days of free Chinese arts and crafts workshops during the February half term. Families and young visitors were invited to take part in hands-on creative sessions inspired by traditional Chinese culture, providing an accessible and educational way to continue the festivities beyond the main event days. The workshops formed part of the Centre’s wider commitment to offering inclusive cultural experiences for the local community.
The uplift in footfall was felt across the Centre, with tenants reporting strong trading and increased new customer engagement throughout the celebrations.
A Growing Hub for Global Cuisine
Home to a diverse mix of international brands and independent operators, the Merrion Centre continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination for global cuisine and cultural discovery. Visitors celebrating the festivities were able to explore dining favourites including Blue Sakura, Fuji Hiro, Blue Pavilion, Eatime, OBA, and Taiwanese dessert specialist MeetFresh, alongside a wide range of specialist retailers and businesses.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre, said:
“This year’s Chinese New Year celebrations have surpassed all expectations. Achieving such a high increase across our main event days is a phenomenal result and reflects the growing appetite for cultural experiences in the city.
“We are incredibly proud to provide a platform for such a vibrant event, bringing communities together while also supporting our international businesses. The continued growth of this celebration firmly establishes the Merrion Centre as a cultural destination in Leeds.”
Connecting Communities
The celebrations also highlight the Centre’s ongoing commitment to engaging with Leeds’ diverse communities. Its growing presence on Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) (Xiaohongshu), one of China’s leading social media platforms, continues to strengthen direct engagement with Chinese audiences, offering tailored content and event updates.
Steven Liu, owner of the authentic Chinese street food operator Eatime at the Merrion Centre, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people enjoy the celebrations this year. The atmosphere across the Centre was vibrant from start to finish, and we were delighted to welcome so many new customers to try our authentic Chinese rotisserie and street food. Events like this truly highlight the energy and excitement that make the Merrion Centre such a special place.”
A Destination for Culture and Experience
The record-breaking success of the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations further cements the Merrion Centre’s role as a dynamic hub where culture, commerce and community intersect. With a growing line-up of international restaurants, specialist retailers and large-scale cultural events, the Centre continues to evolve as one of Leeds’ most exciting destinations.
As 2026 unfolds, visitors can expect an ambitious calendar of events designed to celebrate diversity, drive footfall and create memorable city-centre experiences.
To view video highlights and images from the celebrations, visit the Merrion Centre’s official social media channels: