The vibrant Chinese New Year procession through Newcastle will not be happening for the second year, it has been confirmed.
The traditional annual parade, with its centrepiece lion and dragon dance, was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
And now families who had been hoping for its return this February will be disappointed again at news that there are no plans for its 2022 return or any formal celebrations.
Read more: Chinese restaurants to try for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year runs from February 1-15 and Newcastle's celebrations usually centre upon one main weekend of activity around Stowell Street - the heart of Chinatown - with special deals on offer at restaurants and opportunities to learn about the country's culture and crafts.
In recent years the dragon and lion dances, which would begin under the ceremonial arch in Stowell Street, have been extended to take in the city centre, with a procession starting around Old Eldon Square and families lining the route to watch it make its way up to Chinatown.
However, this Chinese New Year - which is the year of the tiger - Newcastle City Council has confirmed that there are no plans in place to close city streets - and that includes Stowell Street - for any celebrations.
A spokesman said there are no plans to formally mark the occasion and added: "The group that organises the event hasn’t arranged anything with us, so no road closures will be in place."
Eldon Square also confirmed it is not taking part in a Chinese New Year parade this year.
It may be left to individual restaurants to arrange their own celebrations, which previously have included mini dragon or lion dances which are said to bring luck to venues as they herald in a new year.
In recent years, a lion dance also has been organised in the Grainger Market.
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