It's the Year of the Rat and celebrations for Chinese New Year begin this Saturday.

Here are some of the parades, entertainment and family activities you can enjoy across the county from this weekend:

Maidstone

Saturday, January 25

The Maidstone Cultural Group have raised enough funds to hold an event in the town centre this year after a two-year absence. Celebrations will kick-off at noon at the Fremlin Walk bandstand, with the dotting of the eyes on the lion, to bring in the new year.

The lions, controlled by Kudos Combat Lion Dance Team will lead a procession through the centre of town, which is expected to last for two hours. During the procession, opera singer Thomas Stell, from the London Chinese Opera Studio, will perform at the Fremlin Walk bandstand. Hundreds attended events in 2017 and organisers are hopeful this year's event will be well supported.

Chatham

Saturday, January 25

Come and celebrate Chinese New Year along Chatham High Street on Saturday. The parade begins at noon when hundred are expected to celebrate the Year of the Rat. The event is organised in association with The Town Centre Forum and is free.

Folkestone

Saturday, January 25

Celebrate Chinese New Year with some fantastic workshops at Folkestone Museum. Celebrate the Year of the Rat making Chinese lanterns and rat masks. The crafting is a free drop-in event for all ages and no booking is required. Workshops take place 10.30 to 12.30 and 1.30 to 3.30pm. To learn more click here.

Canterbury

Sunday, February 2

The East Kent Chinese Community Group will celebrate new year in Canterbury with music, dancing and food on Sunday, February 2.

The event, which start at midday at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, is open to all and will mark the Year of the Rat.

It will feature the spectacular Lion Dance, the colourful Yin Tao dancing group, a Chinese face changing act, the K-Pop dance group from the University of Kent and Chinese music, singing and food. Tickets cost £10 (£5 under 12s) or family £20 with group members receiving a 50% discount.

Contact Mr Chan on 01227 454520 of Mr Pamnani on 07443917827.

Gravesend

Tuesday, February 4

Chinese New Year celebrations take place in Gravesend on February 4.

Events start at 11am in Community Square and will include the 'awakening' of the lion before action moves to neighbouring venue The Woodville for dancing and singing.