舞龙舞狮

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THOUSANDS of people crammed the streets of Manchester for the city's biggest-ever celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year.

The city was transformed into a sea of colour as a giant dancing dragon, brought to life by dozens of performers, marched through the streets.

Thousands of families laughed and cheered as firecrackers and balloons were released to mark the Year of the Ox.

Led by ribbon dancers and acrobats dressed as folk characters, the lavish 180ft dragon was the centrepiece of a magnificent parade from the town hall to the heart of China Town.

The traditional festivities have been so successful in previous years that organisers have lobbied city bosses for more space. This year even more city roads were closed to traffic, as an estimated 55,000 people crammed the streets.

Manchester now stages one of the biggest Chinese New Year parties in Europe.

Stages in China Town and on Albert Square showcased dance and music from more than 100 performers, including local school children and professional acrobats from China's Yunan province.

The celebration was rounded off by a magnificent 20-minute firework display next to the city's famous Chinese arch.

Tyze Li, from the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester, said the event was easily the biggest celebration in the north of England.

Successful

He said: "This has been our most successful year ever. The atmosphere has been fantastic and people have come from all over the country to take part. Even though, there was a bit of snow it didn't put anyone off.

"We have been lucky to get some of the China's top acrobats and dancers to perform today. But it has also been a chance for children from schools, universities and local performers to celebrate our culture with the community."

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12 year-cycle, with each year named after a different animal. The Ox is traditionally linked to prosperity and hard work.

Chinese New Year falls on a date between January 21 and February 20 and is usually the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice.

This year's New Year began last Thursday, 26th January.

Manchester has the one of the largest Chinese communities in the country, Accounting for some 4 per cent of the city's population.

Mike Amesbury, the councillor responsible for leisure events, said the celebration was now one of the highlights of the cultural calendar.

He said: "This has become one of the largest events in Manchester, attracting people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

"It's a wonderful way to bring the city's communities together."