A COLOURFUL celebration of Chinese culture took place at York Mansion House this weekend.

Visitors were given the opportunity to try calligraphy, sip tea as part of a traditional ceremony and play a few tunes on a Chinese zither - a historical string instrument.

Artist Danny Ha led a painting workshop and guests also took the opportunity to practice Tai Chi at a class hosted by the Leeds Confucius Institute.

Danielle Bond, from the Mansion House, said: “This is the first year that we have done this in York.

“The idea is to get the whole city engaged; we’re keen to see people of all ages enjoying an event like this.

“It’s a really great way for people to enjoy Chinese New Year and for us to recognise a culture that is a big and dynamic part of the city.”

The event included a lion dance in St Helen’s Square, while York BID and Make It York have also teamed up to install Chinese lanterns around the city and outside the venue.