There will be no parade through Newcastle to mark Chinese New Year in 2021.
Usually, an hour-long Chinese New Year parade makes organised by Newcastle's Chinese Festival Group makes its way through Newcastle City Centre, to mark Chinese New Year, culminating in a dragon and lion dance in Stowell Street.
But the on-going coronavirus lockdown means the annual celebrations can not go-ahead in their usual way. Newcastle City Council confirmed there are no public events planned to mark Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year 2021 falls on Friday February 12, when the Year of the Ox begins. Chinese communities around the world take part in 16 days of celebrations to mark the new year, starting on Thursday February 11.
Chinese New Year will be low key this year, as coronavirus restrictions mostly ban households from mixing. Usually, parades, performances and fireworks are all part of the celebrations, while Newcastle hosts various community activities and events.
When is Chinese New Year 2021 and what year is it?
The Year of the Rat will finish and the Year of the Ox begins on Friday February 12.
Will the Chinese New Year Parade happen in Newcastle during lockdown?
No, the usual parade, lion dance and dragon dance in Newcastle City Centre will not go ahead in 2021, the council has confirmed.
Can I celebrate Chinese New Year with fireworks in lockdown?
Yes, legally, people can mark Chinese New Year with fireworks displays on private land, as long as they are safe. Lockdown rules mean households can not invite guests to their displays and celebrations unless they share a care or support bubble. By UK law, fireworks can be set off until 1am to mark Chinese New Year.
