Sheffield welcomes The Year of the Rat

Chinese New Year celebration outside the Sheffield Town Hall last year.

As the start of the lunar calendar ushers in this year's animal zodiac, the rat, you wouldn't want to miss out on what Sheffield has to offer during the most prosperous time of the year.

Sheffield City Council said this year's Chinese New Year Celebration show will be held at the Oval Hall in Sheffield City Hall on January 27 (Monday).

In a statement, the city council said: "This year we are extremely proud to introduce one of the top international acrobat troupes from Jiangxi, China.

"These acrobat artists will be sharing the stage with Sheffield's own performers, including renowned Wanlin Dance Academy Academy, to lead you through a breathtaking evening."

They said the annual Chinese New Year Celebration show is widely regarded as one of the biggest cultural events in the city, with cheerful atmosphere, traditional food and incredible performance.

It is free admission for the Ball Room pre-show that starts from 4.30pm to 6.45pm but a ticketed event will take place from 7pm to 8.45pm at the Main Hall.

Tickets are priced at £8 for under-12, students, OAP or over 60 and £10 for the general public.

Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New year begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20 in Gregorian calendar. This year it falls on January 25, Saturday.

The dates change every year because the festival is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar and 2021 turns to be a Year of the Ox

The festival will last to February 8, about 15 days in total.