Chinese New Year: England welcomes the Year of the Rat

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, London'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.

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Up to 30,000 people are expected to attend festivities in Birmingham.

Image caption, Events marking Chinese New Year have been held for the past three days in Birmingham

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Numerous dragons could be spotted in city centres across the country

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, A lion dance took place in Trafalgar Square

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Image source, AFP

Image caption, The capital claims to hold the biggest Chinese New Year event outside of Asia

Image source, Colin Moody

Image caption, Celebrations were held in Wapping Wharf in Bristol

Image source, AFP

Image caption, Traditional fan and umbrella dances featured in some celebrations
Image caption, Thousands of spectators gathered in Liverpool's Chinatown
Image caption, Manchester's parade featured a 175ft long (53m) dragon

Image source, AFP

Image caption, Some people wore facemasks at the celebrations in London

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Image caption, Liverpool's lions had to contend with rain
Image caption, Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals

Image source, Colin Moody

Image caption, Like in many cities, Lions roamed the streets of Bristol

Image source, Colin Moody

Image caption, Chinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year

Image source, AFP

Image caption, Chinese New Year fell on 25 January

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