WORCESTER welcomed the year of the tiger in with a bang yesterday.

Crowds on the High Street were drawn by beating drums and exploding firecrackers to watch the lion and dragon dance as the city celebrated Chinese new year.

The event, arranged jointly by the Worcestershire Chin-ese Association and the University of Worcester’s Chinese students, is an annual showcase of colour and spectacular.

The year of the tiger is said to bring prosperity to all nations – news which will be a welcome relief to many in Worcestershire.

Frankie Tsang, chairman of the Worcestershire Chinese Association, said: “We are all hoping it will be a wonderful new year for everyone.”

Irene Bartholomew, who helped organise the event, said: “The main theme of the new year is harmony.”

Mr Tsang said: “We as an organisation very much try to promote our Chinese culture, as well as integration into the community. Each year we get Chinese students to get involved and organise a large part of the celebrations.

“This year we have the Chinese opera from Birming-ham as well, but for me personally the most spectacular thing is the lion dance and the fireworks to welcome in the year.”

The dance and firecrackers were followed by a Kung Fu show and, afterwards, a raffle draw.

Meanwhile, speeches were given by both Mr Tsang and Mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts.

“It’s going to be a very exciting day,” said Council-lor Roberts before the ceremony. “When I have looked into it, I’ve noticed the links between the Chinese and English traditions. Where we talk about old friends at new year, the Chinese go a bit further and talk about forgiveness. Perhaps we could learn from that.”