This September, Southside’s Chinatown will be alive with the sounds, sights and smells of the Orient as its Chinese festival returns.

On Friday, September 16, festival-goers will fill The Arcadian as the district celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Lion dancers, martial artists, live music, cultural dancers and more will take to the stage between 5-10pm at the heart of Chinatown.

A street food market will also be serving up a range of Far East delicacies on the surrounding streets. The celebrations will conclude with a spectacular fireworks finale at 10pm and a viewing of the new full moon.

Mid-Autumn Festival is organised by the Chinese Festival Committee – Birmingham (CFC-B), Southside Business Improvement District and The Arcadian. The festival is one of the largest traditional Chinese festivals, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when there is a full moon.

Similar to Thanksgiving, the Mid-Autumn Festival is time for families to celebrate the rich harvest of fruit and crops.

James Wong, chair of the Chinese Festival Committee – Birmingham, said: “Mid-Autumn Festival is a day when families come together to share a meal and celebrate as one. People travel far and wide to be with their loved ones on this special day.

“We are inviting people of all ages, to come together and join us in the celebrations, as we do every year. With the recent events in the US, France and Turkey, the festival is even more vital, allowing communities to come together and celebrate in a safe environment.”

Lina Higuita, centre manager at The Arcadian, which is owned and managed by London & Cambridge Properties (LCP), said: "We are very excited to host this spectacular event once more. It’s a key date in the Chinese calendar and something we look forward to being involved with here at The Arcadian. It promises to be a colourful family occasion."

Ahead of the festivities, CFC-B will host a charity fundraising dinner on Thursday 15th September at Chung Ying Garden. Supported by Southside BID and Genting Casino Chinatown, money raised will go towards supporting future Chinese cultural events following the recent funding cuts by Birmingham City Council. Tickets for the fundraising dinner cost £25 per person plus booking fee.

For more information about this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival and for details about the fundraiser, please visit cnybirmingham.org.uk.