Chinese New Year: England welcomes the Year of the Rat
PA MediaLondon's celebrations began with a parade followed by events in Trafalgar Square
Performers and acrobats, flying dragons and dancing lions have been helping thousands celebrate Chinese New Year.
Events are being held in several city centres in England to welcome the Year of the Rat, which fell on Saturday.
London held what organisers claim was the largest celebrations outside of Asia, while Liverpool's took place in Europe's oldest Chinatown.
Manchester's dragon parade featured a 175ft long (53m) dragon which was accompanied by lion and ribbon dancers.
Up to 30,000 people are expected to attend festivities in Birmingham.
BBCEvents marking Chinese New Year have been held for the past three days in Birmingham
Getty ImagesNumerous dragons could be spotted in city centres across the country
ReutersA lion dance took place in Trafalgar Square
AFPThe capital claims to hold the biggest Chinese New Year event outside of Asia
Colin MoodyCelebrations were held in Wapping Wharf in Bristol
AFPTraditional fan and umbrella dances featured in some celebrations
BBCThousands of spectators gathered in Liverpool's Chinatown
BBCManchester's parade featured a 175ft long (53m) dragon
AFPSome people wore facemasks at the celebrations in London
BBCLiverpool's lions had to contend with rain
BBCEach year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals
Colin MoodyLike in many cities, Lions roamed the streets of Bristol
Colin MoodyChinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year
AFPChinese New Year fell on 25 January
