Chester will celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend, with a line-up of performances, dances and traditional music.

On Saturday 21 February, the city will celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse. A parade will start at 11am on Eastgate Street, with Maria Yuen from Ji Siu Tai Chi Chuan Group commencing the celebrations.

Continuing along Northgate Street to Chester Town Hall, the Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy, led by Steve Ornelas, will then showcase the colourful lions and dragon dance.

"Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate culture, community and connection," said Mia Tan, chair and founder of Wah Lei Chinese Association.

"This festival reflects the dedication of volunteers who have worked tirelessly since 2009 to deliver language classes and cultural programmes that break down barriers and foster inclusion.

"We are proud to work with Bank of America, Cheshire West and Chester Council and other sponsors to bring this celebration to life."

Following the parade, additional performances will take place inside The Town Hall Assembly Room. Alongside this, calligraphy sessions and interactive activities will be hosted by tutors from Wah Lei Saturday Mandarin school.

These sessions will take place from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, inside the Town Hall, with special guest, Tai Chi Panda.

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In the afternoon, a celebration banquet with the lions will take place at Panda Mami Restaurant from 1.15pm. Advanced booking is recommended. 

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important celebration in the Chinese zodiac calendar and follows a 12-year cycle.

Chinese legend states that the emperor of heaven asked all the animals to meet him on New Year's Day, before naming a year after each of the twelve animals that came.

Delivered by the Wah Lei Chinese Association, the event is supported by Bank of America, Cheshire West and Chester Council and other local organisations.

Iwona Szmidt, Managing Director, site lead for Chester at Bank of America said: "Bank of America is honoured to continue our longstanding support of the Lunar New Year festival.

"Championing inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging for our employees and the communities we serve is core to who we are as a company. We very much look forward to celebrating the Year of the Horse with the people of Chester."

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "I would like to wish everyone a very joyful Year of the Horse. The spectacle of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dancers marks the start of the Lunar New Year of the Horse.

"There will also be Tai Chi demonstrations in Eastgate and at the Town Hall. This is a celebration not to be missed."

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The Wah Lei Chinese Association is also supported by Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race Equality Centre, the University of Chester and Chester Voluntary Action.