LIVERPOOL will host a Chinese New Year spectacular this weekend to mark the 10th anniversary of twinning with Shanghai.

The twinning celebration comes less than three months before Liverpool heads to the World Expo 2010 in China’s largest city.

There will be a traditional blessing ceremony to mark the 10th birthday of the largest Chinese Arch in any Chinatown outside of mainland China at noon this Saturday.

On Sunday, Liverpool’s Chinatown will be dressed in red with Chinese- style flags and special lighting to welcome in the Year of the Tiger with a spectacular fire cracker display at 1pm at Great George Square, at the end of Nelson Street.

The Chinese New Year celebrations, organised by Liverpool Chinatown Chinese New Year Coordinating Committee and Liverpool City Council, run from 12pm to 4pm and will include the much-loved lion, dragon and unicorn dances, Tai Chi demonstrations and a Chinese New Year market.

A whole host of other eye-catching events will be displayed in the Nelson Street, Berry Street and Duke Street area, including live music and a fun fair, while educational activities will be held at The Blackie.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Liverpool’s Chinese New Year party is one of the most vibrant events in our cultural calendar, and the 10th anniversary of our twinning with Shanghai is cause for extra celebration.

“Our Chinese Arch is a potent symbol of our good relations with both our Chinese community and Shanghai and the next six months will see the city forge even closer bonds through the World Expo.