FIRECRACKERS, dragons, booming drums and colourful costumes were just some of the spectacular highlights of the Chinese New Year in Southampton.

Thousands of people flocked to the city’s Guildhall Square and lined the streets to join the Chinese community in celebrating the start of the Year of the Rabbit.

Mayor of Southampton Councillor Carol Cunio launched the event by performing the traditional ceremony of Dim Jing, a symbolic ritual of painting the eye of the lions to bring them to life.

Hundreds of firecrackers were then unleashed to the windy Southampton skies to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck as the dancing got under way. The celebrations included a martial arts display, lion and dragon dancing, singing, music and traditional Chinese dance.

A parade then set off through the city to bring some colour to the shoppers.

The event was organised for the sixth time by the Chinese Association of Southampton, supported by Southampton City Council and the Waterside Dragon Dance Club.

Ping Hua, chairman of the Chinese Association of Southampton, said: “Not only does this event provide the opportunity for us to get together and share a taste of Chinese culture, but it is a symbol of our society’s diversity.

“I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous year of the rabbit.”

Cllr Cunio added: “We have great links with China and we need to keep these links up. We need to make friends with our Chinese friends and that friendship will go both ways. I hope you will take that in your hearts.”