Chinese New Year celebrations in Yorkshire

Chinese communities across Yorkshire are galloping into the New Year as celebrations get underway for the annual spring festival or Lunar New Year.

The two-week long festivities began on 17 February to mark the Year of the Fire Horse, which is a combination between one of the 12 animals in the zodiac and one of the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

The horse is known for its vitality and confidence - traits which may be fuelled by the fire element.

In York, the big celebrations were held last weekend while Chinese communities in Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford are holding parades and workshops on Saturday and Sunday.

About 10,000 Chinese people live in Leeds, many of whom are students.

New Vision Education Chinese School is hosting a Qilin unicorn dance at the Merrion Centre and University of Leeds.

The school is training a new generation of performers in the dance form, which was included on the Chinese national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2014.

The Qilin team will welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor at midday on Saturday at the Merrion Centre with a traditional dance performance.

The event will include workshops and family activities, including lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations and live musical performances.

Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School Joyce Cai said the Merrion Centre event had become an annual highlight.

She said: "This year, we've worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community.

"It's a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere."

York Chinese Society held its parade on February 14, including a civic reception, music and dragon awakening parade.

Organiser Will Zhuang said they had three large dragons and four small ones for the children, which marched from The Grand to York Minster.

"It shows to other local communities who we are and some of the roots of our culture," he said.

"York's Chinese community is small, but in recent years the universities have got Chinese students. Without students, we are only about 2,000. But with the students we're about 4,000."

Zhuang explained why the festival has multiple names.

"Spring Festival is the main name, it's mainly to celebrate that spring is coming.

"It's not a religious festival, it more like we will have hope for the harvest, for the year and for the family unity, health and success.

"In China it's called Spring Festival, overseas it's called Chinese New Year. And these days Lunar New Year is for diversity and equality for people celebrating it in other countries," he said.

Sheffield's City Centre Lunar Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Peace Gardens outside the City Hall over Saturday and Sunday.

The annual event was started in 2004 by Jerry Cheung and draws thousands every year.

The programme starts at 12:00 GMT, and includes a world champion Lion Dance performance - to stroke the nose of the lion is meant to bring good luck for the new year.

There will also be performances by Wanlin Dance Group, martial arts demonstrations, and hat juggling by Guizhou Acrobatics Team.

Darley Street Market is celebrating Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse with live performances, traditional music and cultural displays.

Visitors will be able to take part in paper cutting and calligraphy workshops, supported by Bradford Chinese School.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North