ONE of the most spectacular events in the city’s calendar takes place this weekend with the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.

A series of events will take place across the city centre to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake.

The highlight will be Sunday’s traditional dragon, unicorn and lion parades in Chinatown, culminating in a spectacular fire cracker display in Great George Square starring the ‘Lucky Man’ who will be handing out red envelopes to children.

There will also be music performances, dancing and tai chi demonstrations held throughout the weekend along with Sunday’s Taste of China street market.

Liverpool Chinese Business Association (LCBA) chairman Simon Wong, who also co-ordinates the Chinese New Year celebrations, said those in Liverpool were among the biggest in the country.

He said: “Chinese New Year is the most exciting event in our calendar.

“Each year we have more and more people joining in.

“It’s getting harder to raise the finances as the event costs around £50,000 to stage but we have to manage whatever resources we have coming in.”

Liverpool city council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Chinese New Year is one of the city’s most popular annual events and each year attracts more and more people.

“It’s an event that has a really close community feel to it and it’s wonderful that we work together with so many local organisations to make sure this an exciting, colourful weekend for people of all ages.

“This year’s celebrations are taking place across an entire weekend in different areas of the city centre which will be a treat for visitors and shoppers who can all join together to wish the Chinese community a healthy and happy Year of the Snake.”

Activities start on Saturday with tai chi demonstrations from noon to 3.30pm on Nelson Street and a Chinese art exhibition along with workshops held at the Black-E from 11 to 5pm with an admission fee of £1.

From 1pm to 4pm the bandstand in Williamson Square will be taken over by Chinese arts company China Pearl which will showcase musical performances, catwalk shows, dancing and drumming, getting shoppers in the mood for the full celebrations the following day.

On Sunday, the celebrations kick off at 11am with the family friendly fun fair and the popular Chinese market on Great George Street which will sell gifts, souvenirs and mouth-watering food.

Once again musical community organisation Urban Strawberry Lunch are taking part and from around 11.30am will be welcoming the ‘Snake’ with drumming and making decorations which will adorn St Luke’s Church.

Throughout the day activities will also take place on Bold Street and in Ropewalks Square. For details of all the events visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/chinesenewyear or www.lcba.net