EAST will meet West at the Guildhall on Sunday when the Worcestershire Chinese Association holds its annual Chinese New Year celebration.

Visitors will be able to watch firecrackers being lit followed by an extravagant lion dance to celebrate the Year of the Rooster which began yesterday.

And they should be in for some good luck as it is traditionally believed that those who are near the dancing lion will have good fortune in the New Year.

Other highlights will be a traditional kung fu performance, a magician and cultural dances by Chinese students from Guangxi province who are studying at University College Worcester.

Frankie Tsang, chairman of the Worcestershire Chinese Association, said the celebration was to share the festival and Chinese cultures with other communities.

"It's very much for children to learn about Chinese culture and for the local Chinese people to be able to integrate with the local community.

"Last year we had around 500 people attended the celebration and we look forward to seeing them again this year and having a great time," he said.

Mr Tsang added there are around 300 Chinese people living in Worcester and they would all be celebrating Chinese New Year this week.

"There will be family meals with traditional dishes including poultry, fish and soup being cooked," he said.

Worcester residents will be able to have a taste of traditional New Year dishes at Mr Tsang's restaurant, the Four Seasons in Lowesmoor, tonight and tomorrow when special banquest are being held.

The event at the Guildhall, to be attended by Worcester Mayor Coun Allah Ditta and members of the Chinese Embassy, will take place from noon to 3pm and all members of the community are invited to come along.