It has been nearly three months since Chinese New Year, which last fell on the 22nd of January 2023. But has it affected the city of Birmingham as much as it has me? As a half-Chinese, half-English mixed person myself, Chinese New Year has always been a much looked forward to event, although I have at times struggled with identifying with my Chinese identity as a whole. This has mostly been a result of the current political situation in China, as the government continues to create an authoritarian, nationalistic society whilst also destroying China’s own amazing, real, rich heritage and history – making it harder to connect with my Chinese roots. However, living in the city of Birmingham, my family and I spent this Lunar Festival in the Chinese Quarter - watching the fireworks and walking through the elaborately decorated streets; a small area in Birmingham for a while converted into a place of beautiful Chinese heritage. I found it an inspiring experience that really impacted me in a positive way, making me feel proud of this half of myself, and so driven by my interest in the Chinese New Year celebrations, I decided to investigate their impacts on the rest of Birmingham. Speaking to the manager, Kelly Zhen, of a local Chinese restaurant, ‘Chinese Court Restaurant,’ she tells me that there has been “a significant increase” in business over the two-week’s period of Chinese New Year as people from other cities come to witness and take part in the festivities, many people stopping by her local bakery/restaurant to purchase tasty treats like buns as they enjoy their time in the area. Birmingham has the second largest Chinese-British population after Manchester, and after three years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions, organisers made this year’s event one to to remember. The carnivals, shows and several small food stalls contributing to make lunar 2023 an extra special event both for the community of Chinese Brummies and the wider community of Birmingham, being testament to its rich and diverse culture