Dancing dragons, traditional tea room melodies and folk dancing reigned in the Chinese New Year in a town centre.

Hundreds turned out for colourful festivities in Jubilee Square, Maidstoneas they welcomed the Year of the Snake.

Also known as the Lunar New Year, the holiday is one of the biggest celebrations in many East and Southeast Asian cultures and aims to bring good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.

The event kicked off last Saturday (Feb 1) with a symbolic ritual called Dotting of the Eyes that awakens the dancing dragons which was led by Kala Red owner Michael Lam and arts charity Cohesion Plus director Gurvinder Sandher.

Performances by drummers, dancer Zihan Liu and acrobatic Chinese lions followed.

Cllr Stephen Thompson who represents Boxley Downs ward added: “We were treated to an elegant solo performance by a visiting male dancer from Beijing before the local SOAS music group filled the High Street with traditional Chinese rural tunes.

“Then the lions said ‘Goodbye’ to our Mayor and set off down Week Street to spread more new year festive excitement.”

The celebrations, which had been organised by Cohesion Plus in partnership with the Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone council, saw local dignitaries including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Andrew Wood and Mayor of Maidstone Cllr John Perry turn out to show their support.

Gurvinder Sandher said: “We were incredibly pleased to deliver this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations, ushering in the Year of the Snake, in partnership with the Maidstone Cultural Group and Maidstone Borough Council.

“It was a privilege to showcase a vibrant program of traditional music and dance, alongside the dynamic Dancing Lions, delighting the hundreds of spectators who joined us.

“These celebrations have grown into some of the largest in Kent, fostering unity among diverse communities, regardless of heritage or background.”