A CHINESE community in the North-East is preparing to celebrate its New Year in style.
Firecrackers and colourful dances will mark the arrival of the Chinese New Year in Newcastle's Chinatown, from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, February 2.
Sow Fong Cole, of the Chinese 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."
In Chinese tradition, each New Year is linked to an animal and 2003 is the Year of the Ram. It is said that this year brings happiness and peace.
The Chinese New Year falls later because it runs on a calendar based on the cycles of the moon.
Also known as the Spring Festival, the New Year has many traditions.
Preparations begin when people buy presents and houses are cleaned to remove bad luck.
On New Year's Eve, families gather for a traditional meal. Fireworks are lit and windows are opened to allow the old year to go out.
One of the most popular New Year traditions is giving children "good luck money" in a red envelope.
A series of open-air events has been organised by the Newcastle Chinese Festivity Group and the North East Chinese Association, in conjunction with Newcastle City Council. The festival will be held in Bath Lane, Waterloo Street and Stowell Street.
The highlight of the celebrations will be a Lion Dance, performed for luck.
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