Chinese New Year celebrations come to Carlisle

Hundreds of families and spectators lined the streets to cheer through the dragon, which was followed by two yellow lions and a drummer.

The special oriental display took place as the city joined thousands around the world in celebrating Chinese New Year.

A collaboration by Tullie House, Carlisle City Council, Lancaster University Confucius Institute and the Arts Council saw Carlisle play host to its first ever Chinese New Year festival.

Carlisle women Anne Gardner-Lee brought her four-year-old daughter Mattie to enjoy the celebrations.

Anne said: "We have made some lanterns, so we thought we would participate in the parade.

"It is a nice thing that Carlisle City Council has put on.

"We only found out about it on Wednesday, it has been really good and lots of fun.

"It's nice to learn about different cultures."

Her daughter Mattie was too shy to speak to us, but whispered that the dragons were her favourite part of the day.

She added: "I like the marching."

The Lancaster University Confucius Institute aims to promote Chinese culture across the region.

As a result, yesterday's events were part funded by the institute.

Manager Colette Webb said: "Our remit is to create an understanding of Chinese language and culture. We work with Tullie House a lot.

"We are currently funding a teacher who does Chinese activities with different schools, as well as in the museum."

Another local family, Michael and Lisa Deacon, were in town with their daughter Emmeline, and decided to get involved.

Michael said: "We were in town and realised this was going on so we got involved. It's very good for the children."

Six year-old Emmeline said: "I liked the parade and the dragon."

Deputy director of Tullie House, Alex Farthing was pleased with the turnout. She said: "We have had wonderful support from the Chinese community in the north west.

"It was also nice to see so many of our loyal Tullie House followers, as well as a host of new visitors."