Chinese New Year celebrations continued on Sunday for the second weekend.

The Year of the Dragon was celebrated with in style in Sunderland today (Sunday, February 18) with dragon and lion dances.

Crowds gathered as Chinese firecrackers were set off and a host of performances entertained crowds in the city.

The new Lunar year was seen in last Saturday (February 10), but that didn’t stop crowds celebrating in the sun.

More than half a million people are believed to have enjoyed the celebrations last weekend.

The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising strength, fortune and success.

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year celebrations in Sunderland on Sunday (February 18).

Pictures: NNP