Chinese New Year celebrations continue in Kent this week with jubilant processions, dazzling costumes, dancing and music.

Based on the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival will last until February 8.

This year, is the Year of the Rat - the first in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

People in Canterbury will be marking the occasion on Sunday, February 2, with plenty of music, dancing and food at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys.

Organised by the East Kent Chinese Community Group, the festivities are open to all and will feature the spectacular Lion Dance, the colourful Yin Tao dancing group, and a Chinese face changing act, where performers speedily change silk masks to reflect their altering moods.

A K-Pop dance group from the nearby University of Kent will also take to the stage and there will be lots of authentic Chinese food to try. Celebrations begin at midday and doors open at 11.30am.

Tickets are £10 or £5 for under 12s which includes hot food and kids craft activities after the show. Call 01227 454520 or 07443917827 to book.

The ‘awakening’ of the lion will kick off the party in Gravesend at 11am on Tuesday, February 4 in the Community Square.

The action will then move to the Woodville theatre for traditional Chinese entertainment from 11.30am, when the ‘lion’ will be first on stage with a dance.

The show, organised by the Ying Tao Chinese Association, will also include indoor fireworks, a performance from Ying Tao children’s dance group, and Dartford Grammar School will tell the traditional story of Nian Gong Xi through song.

Entry is free for all.

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