CROWDS gathered in the city centre on Sunday to watch a lion dance performance outside the Guildhall in celebration of Chinese New Year.

Firecrackers were set off at midday to signal the start of the display organised by Worcestershire Chinese Association (WCA), chaired by Frankie Tsang.

After the lion dance, guests moved inside the hall where they were treated to performances from the Kul De Tang Praying Mantis Martial Arts School and Marlo Marlo the Magician.

City mayor Steve McKay, in a short speech, praised WCA for “helping our own Chinese community, promoting culture and business between our two countries and bringing about a greater understanding locally”.

“Who would have thought all those years ago, representatives of Worcester would be visiting China to promote its business?

“We are in somewhat odd times at the moment, but I would like to think that the way forward is to continue to promote harmonious meetings, which will bring communities closer together.”

He went on to say: “Celebrations, such as this today for Chinese New Year, taking part in the Worcester Dragon Boat Festival, lunch clubs, assisting Chinese students in our city, all go a long way to showing the community spirit of the Association.

“But it’s not just an inward-looking society, the Association also lends itself to raising money for many local causes, and I’m sure the city itself will be a better place for its ties with the Worcestershire Ambassadors, the university and the chamber of commerce.”

Mr Tsang established WCA 18 years ago and has lived and worked in Worcester for over 40 years.

He said: “It is so good to see so many people here, so many happy families. You bring joy to Worcester. Happy New Year to you all.”