A SPECIAL cultural performance by children from across Chester helped welcome in the Chinese Year of the Snake.
The Wah Lei Chinese Association and Mandarin School held a special celebratory lunch at the Slowboat Restaurant on Frodsham Street.
Pupils from the Wah Lei Mandarin School – based at the University of Chester – JH Goodwin Primary School, Blacon, and Boughton Heath Primary School came together to entertain guests at the sold-out event; including Sherriff of Chester, Cllr Bob Crompton.
The event was opened with the traditional Lion dance performed by JH Goodwin pupils, seven-year-old Daniel Ogden, and Sophie McHugh,10, alongside Jason Bishop, six, of Boughton Heath Primary School.
There were readings of Mandarin poems, a solo recital, martial arts set, folk dance, and a performance from nine-year-old guitarist Jeremy Cai.
Mia Tan, founder and Chair of the Wah Lei Chinese Association invited guests to join the final performance which included the Wah Lei Mandarin Choir and a Gangnam style dance.
A Chinese festival parade takes place on Saturday from 11am from Eastgate Street.
Free entry for cultural performances in the Town Hall will begin at 12.30pm and craft workshops at 1pm.