THE North-East met the Far- East as two weeks of Chinese New Year celebrations started.
The beginning of the Year of the Ox is being marked with various events among Chinese communities.
One of the biggest parties took place last night in Sunderland, where the university has 700 Chinese students.
The main event was held at St Peter’s campus, featuring traditional Chinese dancers, lion dancers and an authentic Chinese meal provided by Sunderland restaurant The Ming Dynasty.
In Darlington, shoppers were treated to traditional Chinese dancing and folk music.
Durham’s celebrations will take place on Saturday, with a lion dance starting from Elvet Methodist Church hall, in Old Elvet, at 2pm.
The celebrations in Newcastle’s Chinatown will not take place until February 8, because of Sunday’s football derby, between Newcastle United and Sunderland, at St James’ Park.
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