LIVERPOOL is home to Europe's oldest Chinese community, and the celebrations to mark Chinese New Year are always vibrant and special.
Throughout this week, the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre in Henry Street, Liverpool, has been packed with schoolchildren who have been finding out about Chinese art, music and culture.
There have been demonstrations in everything from martial arts - such as Tai Chi - to traditional Chinese New Year calligraphy and you could even be transformed into an Oriental theatrical star via Kabuki make-up and costume.
The city council's executive member for leisure and culture, Councillor Warren Bradley, said: "Liverpool's Capital of Culture bid is engaging the whole community, and the spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations are a true symbol of the wonderful diversity and community spirit that exists in the city."
This weekend, the programme of events reach their peak with a huge celebration in Chinatown on Sunday (1st-2nd February 2003).
Thousands of revellers will enjoy a Dragon and Lion parade through the streets around Nelson St plus music, a fab fun fair and spectacular fireworks.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of martial arts, traditional music and other cultural demonstrations.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Jack Spriggs, will attend the festivities before meeting with members of the Chinese community for a swish New Year bash at the Adelphi Hotel.
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To find out more about
Chinese New Year and the year of the Goat/Ram, click
here.
