Lunar New Year celebrations across city

Hundreds of people are set to take part in celebrations to welcome the Lunar New Year in Bristol.

Events including traditional dances and food are being staged in Eastville's Chinese supermarket on Saturday and the City Museum museum on 8-9 February.

The Paintworks in Brislington has already celebrated the event, when the building was transformed last weekend into a huge Chinese market, with Guzheng music and cooking demonstrations.

Rachel Ting, event organiser, said the celebrations are a "way for us to share our heritage".

"The event is a bridge between cultures, inviting everyone to experience the richness of our traditions while celebrating the resilience of those starting fresh in the UK," she said.

Everyone attending was given a red envelope to celebrate 2025's Year of the Snake.

In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, elegance, and mystery.

Despite the Lunar New Year falling on Tuesday, celebrations are set to last for 15 days and traditionally conclude with a lantern festival.

The University of Bristol is the only university in the country to have a Lion Dance Troupe, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

"We're going to many events to help locals celebrate the Lunar New Year, including a huge party at Wai Yee Hong Chinese supermarket in Eastville, which is raising money for The Grand Appeal and also a big celebration at Bristol Museum next week," said Jasmine Mok, from the troupe.

"Historically only men did lion dances, but as time passed a lot of girls are doing it and we're now encouraged to do the art, which is a very physically demanding thing to do," she added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.