Hartlepool's Chinese New Year celebrations '˜the best yet'

People enjoyed traditional song and dance displays and tucked into authentic Chinese food at the Grand Hotel on Sunday afternoon.

This year’s festivities were supported by Chinese performers, who travelled from Yorkshire to perform stunning opera singing and play string music instruments.

Others performed beautiful fan and ribbon dances and a lively lion danced between guests’ tables.

Sandra Chow, chairman of Hartlepool Chinese Association, said: “It was really successful. We get more and more people every year.

“A lot of people came from all backgrounds. We had dancing, singing, a lot of entertainment and the food was excellent and delicious.

“People were fighting to get tickets so the message for next year is book early.

“I would like to thank all of the volunteers who kindly donated their time and helped pull everything together.”

The celebrations have been held in the Grand Hotel for the last few years.

Volunteer Peter Gowland who helped to organise the event, added: “It is so opulent and is decorated in red, which is very significant to the Chinese.

“We spent ages rigging it up and had lots of banners.

“We pushed the boat out this year and it was the biggest we have done.”

The event was supported by Hartlepool MP Iain Wright, who attended with his son Billy.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger was also there.

In Chinese culture, the New Year is one of the most important holidays and the celebrations promote good luck, happiness, wealth and longevity.

Each year is represented by a different animal, with 2016 being the year of the monkey.