Southampton is gearing up for a vibrant celebration to welcome the Year of the Snake.

The festivities will kick off on February 1 in Guildhall Square, featuring a free programme organised by the Chinese Association of Southampton.

The day will begin at 10.30am with a lively dragon and lion dancing show, which will later continue at Westquay shopping centre from midday until 4pm.

The following weekend, February 8, Guildhall Square will again be the hub of activity with more free cultural performances from midday to 1.30pm.

These will include a dragon parade and traditional lion dance, with further ticketed activities at the MAST Mayflower Studios from 3pm to 5pm.

These will feature a Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional Beijing Opera.

The grand finale of the Chinese New Year celebrations will be marked by a lantern parade on February 12.

For more information, visit: www.visitsouthampton.co.uk, www.southamptonchinese.org.uk/homewp/arts/cny2025/english/ and www.hampshirechinese.com/chinese-new-year.