Chinese New Year: Pigs, dragons and pandas on England's streets

News imageGetty Images Dragon in LondonGetty Images

Thousands of people took to the streets in England to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Tuesday may have been the official start of the Year of the Pig but most areas saved their events until Sunday.

Flying dragons and dancing lions paraded through city centres including in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Newcastle.

In a drizzly London, performers took part in what organisers claim is the biggest celebration outside China.

News imageBBC NewcastleBBC
Newcastle's parade travelled from Eldon Square to the Chinese Gate at Stowell Street
News imagePA Child performersPA
Dragons across the country came in all shapes and sizes
News imageBBC BirminghamBBC
Dancers took to a stage in Birmingham where 40,000 people were expected to attend the celebration
News imageGetty Images Pig costumeGetty Images
As well as the traditional dragons, pigs also featured highly in the parades
News imagePA Panda performersPA
There was even room for a few pandas
News imageReuters London dancersReuters
The dank weather did not dampen celebrations in London where events were held across the West End and Chinatown
News imagePA Manchester pigletPA
A giant piglet has been overlooking St Ann's Square in Manchester over the past week
News imageBBC NewcastleBBC
The new year festivities are always popular with children and families

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