LIVERPOOL buildings are being illuminated red in honour of the Chinese New Year tomorrow, Friday, in the run up to the main events for the Year of the Rat on Sunday, January 26.

There will be celebrations throughout Europe’s oldest Chinatown where traditional Chinese culture will meet street performances.

This year’s event has been organised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese New Year Co-ordinating Committee with a host of events packed into one day, starting at 11am and finishing around 5pm.

Among the attractions, which are mostly free, are aerial demonstrations, family workshops, a fairground along with dragon, unicorn and lion parades and firecracker displays.

The main performances are at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

The market will also make a return to George Street selling gifts, souvenirs and Chinese street food.

In the Family Zone at Great George Square near the stage there will be activities on offer for all ages from 11.30am to 4.30pm and China Dream Stagecoach bus is hosting storytelling sessions.

Buildings that are being illuminated include the Cunard Building, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, World Museum and Everyman and Playhouse Theatres among many others.

Go to cultureliverpool.co.uk/cny for more details.