WATCH: Newcastle welcomes the Year of the Monkey

More than 20,000 people gathered to mark the start of the Year of the Monkey in Newcastle’s Chinatown, organiser says.

The event, happening at the same day as Valentine’s Day, gave Tynesiders the chance to enjoy double celebration.

The Chinese New Year celebration featured lion and dragon dance performers, kung-fu demonstrations, rides, food stalls and fireworks.

The North East Chinese Association, which supports the festival and the participating groups, had also an exhibition in store, featuring Chinese costumes, food, arts and traditional crafts.

The chairman of the North East Chinese Association Jimmy H C Tsang said: “Today we are lucky. The weather is very good, so we are very happy.

“Looking at this year, I think we probably got over 20 thousand people.”

On February 16, a night of celebrations will be held in the Lancastrian Banqueting Centre, Dunston, Gateshead, with much more Chinese performances and entertainment.

For additional information contact: necancluk@hotmail.com

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