The Flag Market and Harris Museum were awash with colour as Prestonians gathered to welcome in The Year of the Pig on Saturday.

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Crowds gathered to watch the traditional lion dances on the Flag Market as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Inside the Harris, visitors tried their hand at calligraphy and traditional crafts and enjoyed storytelling sessions and a tea ceremony.

The Preston People’s Choir sang a selection of songs including Chinese moon poetry set to music.

Read more: Ten of the best rated places to go for a Chinese in Preston

The Mayor of Preston, Cllr Trevor Hart, said: “Chinese New Year celebrations are always very popular and the activities on offer this year ensure the event is bigger and better than ever.”

Chinese New Year is a two week celebration which started on Tuesday February 5.

The pig is the last of the 12 year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the pig was the last to arrive at the meeting with the Great Emperor, as he go hungry during the race and stopped for a nap.

Men born in the year of the pig are said to be optimistic and focused. They put all their effort into their ideas.

Women born in the year of the pig are excitable and sociable and are warm and generous to those around them.