ONE thousand Chinese lanterns will adorn Nelson Street as Liverpool celebrates the Year of the Monkey.

Those LED street lights that Liverpool has bought a job lot of are more dim than dim sum but we are told that brighter things are in store - at least for the weekend. The traditional lanterns - not those LED  will be erected in time for this Sunday's street celebrations and will bathe Chinatown in a glow for a week.

The banging, clattering and family fun kicks off this Sunday, February 7, with street performances, parades, funfair and the popular Chinese market on Great George Street selling gifts, souvenirs and food.

To get in on the action, head for Great George Square at 11am. Here is the lowdown.

 

11 – 11.30am              Pagoda Arts – Flower Drums and Fan Tai Chi

11.35 – 12.15pm         Kwong Tam School of Tai Chi (in association with See Yep Association)

12.20 – 12.35pm         Wah Sing - Traditional Chinese Dance & Song

12.35 – 1pm                Pagoda Arts – Dance, Tai Chi, Happy Dance!

1 – 2pm                       Firecracker Display – Lucky Man, Dragon, Lion and Unicorn Parade arrives

2 – 2.15pm                  Gung Har Kung Fu School – Martial Arts Demonstration

2.20 – 2.30pm             China Pearl – Chinese Round Fan Dance

2.35 – 3.15pm             Kwong Tam School of Tai Chi (in association with See Yep Association)

3.20 – 3.30pm             Movema Dance - San Jiao - The Chinese symbolism of trios blended with martial arts into contemporary dance

3.30 – 3.45pm             Movema Dance – Chinese Dance Workshop - Suitable for all ages and levels.

3.45 – 4pm                  Movema Dance - Chinese Fusion community performance

 

On the day there will also be the chance to see musical performances from the Pagoda at their venue in Henry Street from 1.30p and FACT from 2.30pm.

Assistant Mayor and Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and events Councillor Wendy Simon said: “Chinese New Year is always a popular event in our calendar, and thousands head in to the city centre every year to see the colourful spectacle as our Chinese community put on a fantastic display of dancing dragons and fire crackers.

“It is a wonderful family-friendly event and it’s a way for us all to celebrate this city’s Chinese heritage and welcome in the Year of the Monkey.”