'I experienced Newcastle's Chinese New Year where colour and culture united the city'
It's a spectacle of colour and culture, and it's right here on our doorstep. Today I joined the crowds of thousands who lined the streets of Newcastle to witness the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Here in Newcastle we are lucky enough to have one of just five Chinatown's in England right in the heart of out city. And there is something quite special about seeing hundreds of Geordie families brave the cold to watch their Chinese neighbours bring in 2025 in traditional and flamboyant style.
In almost 20 years as a Chronicle news reporter I have covered the Chinese New Year celebrations many times, but it has been quite a few years since I was last at the event. The first thing that struck me was how big the crowds were that had turned out to see the parade.
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Previously the festivities had been mainly centred around Stowell Street, but in recent years the parade has begun at Grey's Monument before making its way up Blackett Street and on to Chinatown.
It was wonderful to see how the celebration was no longer a tradition that takes part in one corner of the city, but was now right at the heart of it. Spectators young and old gathered around the Monument and up Blackett Street early, determined to get the best view of the parade, and who can blame them.
After a long, cold January Christmas festivities feel a long time ago, and here was a celebration we could all feel part of that was completely free.
Another thing that struck me was that despite the size of the crowds, and the fact that everyone wanted to get the best view possible, there was no pushing or shoving. The whole atmosphere was one of excitement and positivity.
While the crowds waited patiently there was an atmosphere of excitement around the Monument as parade participants got ready to set off. Children waved colourful paper dragons as the sound of drums filled the air.
The parade itself is spectacular, featuring bright costumes along with traditional dance and music. Crowds clapped and shouted 'Happy New Year'.
As well as members of Newcastle's Chinese Community participants of the parade included cubs from the 1st Wimlaton Scout Group who carried a banner with a beautiful painted snake on. There were also children carrying homemade paper lanterns.
There was no let-up in the crowds as the display reached Gallowgate and headed towards Stowell Street's Chinese Arch. Here each group in the line-up have their own performance in front of dignitaries and speeches explained the significance behind the Year of the Snake.
The highlight was the dragon dancing on a table to the sound of drums as firecrackers were let off. But the whole parade was bright, loud and spectacular, to the delight of the audience.
If you have never been to Newcastle's Chinese New Year parade before I recommend giving it a go. It's an amazing chance to experience another culture, without even leaving your home city.