A CITY will celebrate the Chinese New Year next weekend (Saturday, February 21).

Various activities are planned for Durham city centre on Saturday, February 21, to welcome the Chinese Year of the Goat.

There will be Chinese lion dancing across the city centre, courtesy of the Oceans Apart Kung Fu Club.

As is tradition, the Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Robinson, will strive to catch a lettuce spat out by the lion, which is said to bring good luck for the year ahead.

The entertainment will begin at noon with a martial arts display. The lion dance will start at 1pm.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets, said: "This is a well-loved feature on Durham's calendar and probably one of its most colourful and noisy events.

"It's enjoyed by all who come along, especially the children.

"With the Chinese Lion touring much of the city on Saturday, there will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the spectacle and welcome in the Chinese New Year of the Goat."

The dancing will extend to Elvet Bridge and North Road for the first time this year and end at around 3pm on Walkergate.

Chinese students will demonstrate calligraphy, knot making, paper cutting and chopsticks at stalls in the Market Place from 10am to 4pm.

A drop-in craft session will take place at Clayport Library at 2.15pm.