ONE of the annual highlights of Liverpool’s cultural year takes place on Sunday with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

At least 10,000 people are expected to take part in the festivities to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, against the magnificent backdrop of Europe’s biggest Chinese arch on Nelson Street.

Celebrations will take place between 11am and 4pm in the Chinatown area, including a firecracker display, street market, and the traditional dragon, lion and unicorn parade along Berry Street, Nelson Street, and Duke Street.

The Liverpool Chinatown Chinese New Year co-ordinating committee said they had striven to make the celebrations as good as they were last year, despite tight financial constraints.

Chief co-ordinator Alan Seatwo said: “We have managed to put on the same level of activities this year, despite the challenges in terms of fundraising.

“The Chinese community has linked up to give the event a more authentic feel, and we want to attract as many people to the area as possible. We hope the Chinese New Year will represent a new start and bring prosperity to the city.”