LIONS and unicorns will be dancing through the streets of Chester to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is once again helping the Wah Lei Chinese Association with its exciting plans for colourful Chinese New Year celebrations.

Saturday, February 5 will see a traditional lion dance through the centre of Chester, followed by a unicorn dance for the first time in Cheshire including firecrackers and Tai Chi demonstrations.

There will also be craft workshops at the Guildhall to make Chinese paper crafts and food sampling to make sure that the Year of the Rabbit hops in style.

The Wah Lei Chinese Association was launched last year, assisted by Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre (CHAWREC) and aims to foster, support and improve the well being of the Chinese community and help them integrate with the wider community in the area.

Chinese New Year officially falls on February 3 but the celebrations are being held on a Saturday to maximise the number of visitors.

The Chinese zodiac calendar follows a 12-year cycle, meaning the Year of the Rabbit is your year if you were born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1975, 1987 or 1999.

Believers in Chinese astrology say the Year of the Rabbit, sometimes called the Year of the Hare ought to be more peaceful than the previous, highly volatile Year of the Tiger.

Chair of the Wah Lei Chinese Association, Mia Tan, said: “Though some predict that the Year of the Rabbit will be calmer than last year, it doesn’t mean that Chester can’t welcome the New Year with a bang and a wonderful party.

“Last year’s event was a great success and Wah Lei members have worked hard to make this year’s event bigger and better, beginning with fire crackers to wake up the lion to dance and start the New Year celebrations, followed by the unique unicorn dance and joined by Tai Chi Chuan."

The council’s Equality and Diversity Champion, Councillor Razia Daniels, added: “Cheshire West and Chester Council is delighted to sponsor the new Wah Lei Chinese Association and help with their wonderful Chinese New Year Celebrations.

“Equality and diversity is one of our key priorities and I hope as many people as possible will be able to join in the celebrations this year."

The lion dance parade begins at the Town Hall Square on Saturday, February 5 at 11.30am and moves towards the Cross and then Bridge Street.

It then dances its way to the Guildhall where Tai Chi demonstrations and the craft workshops will be held.

Workshops are strictly ticket only, for more information and to apply for free tickets please call CHAWREC on 01244 400730.