Lunar New Year celebrations across the Midlands

The Year of the Snake will be celebrated across the Midlands, with a number of festivities to mark the Lunar New Year.

Millions of people around the world celebrate the event, especially in east and south-east Asia.

Communities throughout the UK will join them from 29 January, with celebrations set to last for 15 days - a period traditionally ending with a lantern festival.

In the Midlands, Birmingham's Chinese Quarter will see dragon processions, while University of Warwick students have a whole programme of events planned.

There will be various events taking place throughout Birmingham city centre on 1 and 2 February.

Traditional music, dance and theatre performances will be on display in Hippodrome Square.

Local businessman Lawrence Barton said he hoped to see more people attend the celebrations this year, topping last year's turnout of 38,000.

He said: "We're so lucky to have such an enthusiastic and energetic Chinese community here."

Jeffrey Yap, chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, said: "This year's festival will see the return of the traditional waking of the Lion 'Dim Jing', dragon dances, and Pom Pom, our ten-foot giant Panda.

"It's going to be a fantastic weekend," he said.

Museum of Royal Worcester is hosting family-friendly activities on 2 February, including a traditional Chinese tea ceremony demonstration.

Students at University of Warwick have organised an afternoon of celebration on 28 January. Calligraphy and Chinese knot-tying workshops will be on offer, with a lion dance performance to conclude the day's festivities.

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