Chester prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year in February

Chester will hold a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 21 with lion and dragon dances, traditional performances and community activities organised by the Wah Lei Chinese Association with local partners.

Chester will mark the Lunar New Year of the Horse with a city-centre celebration on Saturday, February 21. The event is organised by the Wah Lei Chinese Association with support from Bank of America, Cheshire West and Chester Council and other local partners. The programme begins at 11am in Eastgate Street and continues along Northgate Street to Chester Town Hall. The day will feature traditional music, lion and dragon dances, cultural characters and community activities. Key details: - Date and start time: Saturday, February 21, beginning at 11am in Eastgate Street. - Route and venues: procession along Northgate Street to Chester Town Hall, with further performances inside the Town Hall Assembly Room at 12 noon. - Performances and activities: lions and dragon dances, traditional music, non-combustible firecrackers, Tai Chi demonstrations, calligraphy sessions and interactive activities. - Organisers and supporters: Wah Lei Chinese Association with backing from Bank of America, Cheshire West and Chester Council, University of Chester, Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race Equality Centre, Chester Voluntary Action and other local groups. - Additional events: a celebration banquet with the Lions is scheduled at Panda Mami Restaurant from 1.15pm and calligraphy sessions are set from 12.30pm to 2.30pm inside the Town Hall. Summary: The celebration brings cultural performances and community activities to Chester city centre and highlights the Wah Lei Chinese Association's work since 2009. It runs from 11am with additional performances inside the Town Hall through the early afternoon. Organisers have recommended advanced booking and the event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21.