Retro: Home to roost - the year of the rooster begins for Chinese New Year

Centuries old Chinese New Year is a festival that is celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunar year in the Chinese calendar.

By The Newsroom

Published 31st Jan 2017, 13:33 BST

Updated 31st Jan 2017, 13:36 BST

Chinese New Year celebrations at Myrtle Springs School East Bank Road Arbourthorne Dragon dancers perform their ritual dance on stage - 1990

This year – the Year of the Rooster – begins with the first day of the festivities today (January 28) at Meadowhall and the Street Food Night Festival in Sheffield, and runs for two weeks ending on February 2.

Meadowhall will bid farewell to the Year of the Monkey and welcome the Year of the Rooster with traditional Chinese lion dancers and fortune cookies and Street Food Night Festival at Street City.

Chinese New Year celebrations 1985 Sheffield

For the festivities families will gather dressed in elaborate and colourful costumes and let off fireworks.

The first day is usually marked with the giving of gifts and family get-togethers.

Chinese New Year centres round several myths and traditions and was traditionally a time to honour deities and ancestors.

Meadowhall Sheffield