CHINESE New Year celebrations in Newcastle will be marked by firecrackers and colourful dances later this month.
In Chinese tradition, each New Year is linked to an animal and 2004 is the Year of the Monkey.
The Chinese New Year is on Sunday, January 25, and falls later than the western New Year because it runs on an alternative calendar, based on the cycles of the moon.
Zhan Hui Yuan, of the Newcastle Festivity Group, said: "Chinese New Year is the most important festival for Chinese people all over the world.
"It is a time to celebrate new beginnings and hope."
One of the most popular traditions is the giving of money in red envelopes, the colour of good luck.
In Newcastle's Chinatown, the Chinese Festivity Group has organised a series of open air events to be held in Stowell Street, Bath Lane, Charlotte Square and Waterloo Street.
The highlight of the celebrations will be spectacular dances by the Lion and Unicorn, performed for luck. With beautifully-made costumes and intricate movements, the dances are always popular with visitors. Loud firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits.
A Chinese market will offer a variety of stalls featuring arts, crafts, Chinese health products, and there will be an opportunity to sample New Year food and drink.
For further details, contact 0191-273 3264, or visit the website, www.chinesefestival.co.uk
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