THE Year of the Snake will be celebrated in style on Sunday when Durham holds its second Chinese New Year festival.

Last year saw the first major event staged by the County Durham Chinese Association, to mark the first year of the millennium.

Now bigger-scale celebrations are planned, involving other organisations in the city.

The event will feature a lion dance, that will start in North Road at 12.30pm, and wend its way to Market Place, Claypath, then back to High Street - inside the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre - up to Saddler Street, before finishing in Market Place.

The dance will be performed by nine people, and will chase away demons and summon prosperity and happiness.

Market Place will host a series of performances, starting at 11am.

These will include displays by the Gateshead Choi Lee Fat Kung-fu Club, a show of the Chinese Diabolo, and demonstrations in the traditional Ribbon and Peacock dances.

Revellers can also find out more about Chinese culture in Durham Town Hall which will host a displays of traditional crafts, including calligraphy, and an exhibition of Chinese costume. Chinese food will also be available.

There will be stalls selling Chinese gifts, including kites