BROTHERS Ricky and Warren Li are joining in the celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

The pair, aged four and six, played with traditional Chinese toys including kites, windmills and paper dragons to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Monkey.

York's first Chinese Festival takes place at the National Centre for Early Music tomorrow and Sunday.

It begins with a performance of traditional Chinese music by the Far Eastern Music Ensemble, from 8pm on Saturday.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £3.50 for students.

On Sunday, there is a free Chinese arts afternoon with opportunities to make Chinese arts and crafts and enjoy Chinese refreshments.