PICTURE GALLERY: Chester's Chinese New Year celebrations

Jan 31 2012 By Paul Williams

HUNDREDS of people gathered in Eastgate Street on Saturday as Chester's Chinese community celebrated Chinese New Year with a parade through the city.

This is the third year that such festivities have been held in Chester. The colourful parade wound its way through town stopping at Town Hall Square, with many participants carrying on to the Slowboat Restaurant for displays of Chinese culture.

The Parade was led by a gigantic dragon puppet, reflecting the fact that 2012 is the Year Of The Dragon. In the Chinese Zodiac the Dragon is the symbol of power and wisdom. The festival also featured Firecrackers, traditional Chinese Music and dancing.

The parade was organised by The Wai Lei Chinese association with the backing of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Photographs by Olly Clark Photography.