THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend the celebrations for Chinese New Year in Liverpool.

A wide range of activities is planned to welcome the Year of theOx in Chinatown on Sunday.

They will take place from 11am to 4pm in Nelson Street, Berry Street and Duke Street.

Highlights include the major fire cracker display at 1pm in Great George Square.

There will also be dragon, lion and unicorn dance performances, a Chinese New Year market, and musical performances at the centre stage of Great George Street, as well as in the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre in Henry Street.

St Luke’s Church will be joining in the celebrations, with plenty of activities on offer including free Chinese music workshops.

Organisers are inviting the public to wear something in red for the celebrations, as red is an auspicious colour for the Chinese. Awards will be handed out to the best dressed man and woman in the crowds.

The celebrations go on into the evening with the Chinese Variety Show at Britannia Adelphi hotel, showcasing local and international performers.

The Year of the Ox will also see Liverpool finalise its plans to showcase itself in its Chinese twin city at the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Over the past decade the Chinese New Year celebrations have got better and better and I’m sure Sunday will be another great day out for all the family.”

Some roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm.