Romford is getting ready to celebrate Chinese New Year next month.

Events are being planned in the town centre by Romford Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday, February 10, from noon to 4pm.

“We had a brilliant Chinese New Year in 2023,” the organisation’s director Julie Frost said. “But we want to raise the bar with more roaming entertainment.”

2024 is the year of the dragon and seven people will be manning a giant dragon puppet while other attractions include lion performers, stilt walkers and dolly head performances, as well as live music, drumming and face painting.

Chinese food will be served up at Wokabout in Romford Market, and Sunrise Café and Pearl of the Orient eateries in Romford Shopping Hall will be handing out free Chinese New Year red money envelopes to send to loved ones.

The dragon is considered a symbol of strength, courage and good fortune, according to the Chinese zodiac.

The events will be free and Julie added: "We are especially proud to hold events that celebrate different cultures and help bring our community even closer together."