Dragons parading past the town hall, lions dancing on Market Street and vibrant lanterns lighting up the sky - it could only be Chinese New Year in Manchester.

The streets of the city centre were heaving with thousands of people who turned out in force to mark annual occasion this weekend.

The celebrations included the ever-popular dragon parade, which saw a magnificent 175-foot dragon march from Albert Square to Chinatown.

There were also traditional lion dance performances on Market Street and a street food market on St Ann's Square, which was also home to a huge art installation piglet, to mark the arrival of the Year of the Pig.

Meanwhile, a giant glittering Golden Dragon took over Exchange Square for the weekend.

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Chinese New Year in Manchester

There were a host of family friendly activities taking place throughout the city, including the chance to take part in Chinese arts and crafts and tai chi workshops, and indulge in Chinese cuisine.

The celebrations were topped off with an incredible firework display on Sunday evening.

A lion dance on Market Street

Our photographers have been out and about to capture the celebrations as they happened.

Chinese New Year in Manchester