Chinese New Year celebrations will take place in Southampton

Chinese Arts Southampton is holding a Chinese New Year celebration event in Southampton West Quay today.

• Southampton's Chinese New Year celebrations 2015 - in pictures  >>

Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting workshops will be available as well as traditional lion and dragon dances, a Chinese music instrumental performance, Chinese folk dancing and even martial arts performances.

Dr Ping Hua, director of Chinese Arts Southampton, said: “Chinese New Year is one of the most important Festivals to Chinese people around the world.

“There is actually a lot more to it than lion dances or firecrackers, although these two pieces of tradition are the most obviously visible symbols.

“Chinese New Year to China is like Christmas to the West. In essence, it is spending time with family, gift giving and, the all-important food-fest.”

The Chinese New Year officially begins on February 8 and this year is the year of the Monkey.

The Monkey is the ninth of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and according to the Chinese Five Elements Horoscopes, the Monkey contains Metal and Water.

In Chinese culture metal is connected to gold and water is connected to wisdom and danger.

Dr Hua said: “Therefore, we will deal with more financial events in the year of the Monkey.

“Monkey is a smart, naughty and vigilant animal. If you want to have good return for your money investment, then you need to outsmart the Monkey.

“Metal is also connected to the wind, that implies the status of events will be changing very quickly.

“Think twice before you leap when making changes for your finance, career, business relationships and people relationships.”

Chinese New Year has been celebrated in the city centre since 2005.

The event on Sunday in West Quay is free to attend and is from noon until 2pm.