Sheffield Children's Hospital lights up for Ramadan and Chinese New Year

The venue hosted a joint light switch-on yesterday, marking the start of both the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations and Ramadan.

The switch-on saw Sheffield Children’s Hospital illuminated with both a Dragon and Lantern display and a Moon and Stars display, with a Chinese dragon dance performed at the venue. The lights were turned on to a wave of applause from a crowd which had gathered, after a countdown.

The Moon and Stars display follows generosity from Sheffield’s Muslim community, with collections taking place across local mosques in the lead-up to Ramadan to sponsor the illuminations.

Funds raised through Moon and Stars 2026 will support Sheffield Children’s Family Coach Model, a new community-based approach helping families facing health inequalities linked to wider social and environmental factors.

Meanwhile, the Dragon and Lantern display marks the beginning of a week-long programme of celebrations taking place across Sheffield.

Funds raised through the Lunar New Year appeal will support vital paediatric research at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, helping improve care, prevention and treatment for children and young people now and in the future.

A highlight of the celebrations will be the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Spectacular at The Octagon on February 18, featuring world-class acrobatic performances, traditional Dragon Dance and cultural showcases.

All profits from ticket sales for the spectacular will be kindly donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

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Harriet Clark, Fundraising Project Manager at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “This joint switch-on is a special moment for Sheffield. It brings together two important cultural celebrations, led by different communities but united by the same desire to give back and support children and families.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown through both Moon and Stars and Lunar New Year. This event reflects the best of Sheffield - a city where communities come together, celebrate one another and support causes that matter.”

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