CHINESE New Year started with a bang in Worcester, despite the miserable weather.

The rain may have forced the celebrations from the High Street into the Guildhall but the atmosphere was as good as ever.

Firecrackers were set off outside the Guildhall, filling the air with noise and drawing people to the annual spectacle, which was arranged by the Worcestershire Chinese Association.

But then the weather forced the spectacle to be moved inside, with people pouring into the Guildhall to glimpse the ever-popular dragon dance.

Mayor Mike Layland said: “It is a bit unusual to have the performance inside the Guildhall, but it is wonderful.”

Once the dance was finished the crowd which filled the hall moved upstairs to watch yet more displays, including a kung fu demonstration and performances by students from the University of Worcester.

There were also speeches from Councillor Layland and Frankie Tsang, the chairman of the Worcestershire Chinese Association, who said he was was happy with how the day went.

The first secretary of the Chinese embassy Zhao Lei also travelled from London to attend the event, which welcomes the start of the Year of the Rabbit.

According to legend, it is a lucky sign which means this year will be a placid one – to be welcomed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. Legend says children born during 2011 will be talented, affectionate and shy.