THOUSANDS gathered in Manchester and Liverpool on Sunday to welcome in the Chinese New Year.
In Manchester, 5,000 revellers watched the departure of the Golden Dragon Parade from Albert Square.
The official opening ceremony took place when it arrived in the heart of the Chinatown in Falkner Square.
There were similar celebrations in Liverpool - where Europe's oldest and biggest Chinatown is located.
Crowds in both cities were treated to a programme of dazzling performances to welcome in the Year of the Monkey.
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