Lions paraded through the city centre on Saturday to welcome the Chinese New Year in Chester .

Crowds turned out to watch the annual performance by the Wah Lei Chinese Association to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem and his wife Deb joined Mia Tan of the association and characters The Happy Buddha, the God of Prosperity and the Emperor of Heaven as they entertained shoppers in Eastgate Street and Bridge Street.

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The event, supported by Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race Equality Centre, the University of Chester , Chester Voluntary Action and the Slowboat Chinese Restaurant included a Tai Chi demonstration and firecrackers. It was followed by a celebration banquet at the Slowboat restaurant on Frodsham Street.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be smart, lively and quick-witted. They are gentle and honest, but they can also be jealous and short-tempered.