Chinese New Year events take place across Leeds, York, Sheffield and Bradford

Communities across Yorkshire are marking the Lunar New Year with parades, Qilin and lion dances, workshops and musical performances; the two-week festival began on 17 February and includes major events this weekend.

Communities across Yorkshire are holding events to mark the Lunar New Year. The two-week festival began on 17 February and celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse. The horse is described in the zodiac as linked to vitality and confidence. Local groups have organised parades, dances, workshops and musical performances this week. Key details: - Events are taking place in Leeds, York, Sheffield and Bradford, with several scheduled over Saturday and Sunday. - The festival began on 17 February and marks the Year of the Fire Horse according to the lunar zodiac and element cycle. - New Vision Education Chinese School is hosting a Qilin (unicorn) dance at the Merrion Centre and the University of Leeds and will welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor at midday on Saturday. - York Chinese Society held a parade on 14 February from The Grand to York Minster, featuring three large dragons and smaller dragons for children, plus a civic reception. - Sheffield's City Centre Lunar Chinese New Year Festival at the Peace Gardens outside City Hall runs Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 GMT and includes a world champion Lion Dance, martial arts demonstrations and acrobatics. - Bradford's Darley Street Market will mark the Year of the Horse with live performances, traditional music and paper cutting and calligraphy workshops supported by Bradford Chinese School. Summary: The Lunar New Year is being observed across Yorkshire with community-led parades, traditional dances and cultural workshops. The two-week festival began on 17 February and includes major activities in Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford this weekend.