Chinese New Year celebrations returned to Newcastle’s China Town for the first time since before the Covid pandemic on Sunday (January 22).

Lion, Dragon and Unicorn dancers lead parades through Stowell Street in the city centre at lunchtime with Kung-Fu demonstrations and performances of traditional songs from Chinese university students.

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Stalls serving Chinese food, and selling arts and crafts were set up with sessions in Chinese lantern-making and calligraphy held for families.

Edmund Ng, organiser of the Newcastle Chinese New Year Festivities, told The Echo: “It is great to have the Chinese New Year celebrations back and bigger and better this year, with three animal dancers and more stalls and festivities for everyone to enjoy.

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Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd added: “We are delighted to see the welcome return of the Chinese New Year festivities after an enforced break due to Covid, and are proud to be sponsoring the celebrations again this year. We would like to wish everyone in Newcastle and across the region a Happy and prosperous New Year.”

Take a look at our pictures from the day’s festivities ...

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year in NewcastleChinese New Year in Newcastle (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit2023 is the Year of the Rabbit (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year in NewcastleChinese New Year in Newcastle (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: Celebrations returned to China Town for the first time in three years.Celebrations returned to China Town for the first time in three years. (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: Crowds gathered for the celebrations.Crowds gathered for the celebrations. (Image: NNP)

The Northern Echo: Chinese New Year in NewcastleChinese New Year in Newcastle (Image: NNP)

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