THIS weekend thousands of people in Hampshire celebrated Chinese New Year.

Millions of people around the world celebrated the year of the Rooster – the tenth zodiac in the Chinese calendar.

The mayor of Southampton Cllr Cathie McEwing opened the festivities at Westquay yesterday by dotting the eyes of the lion which symbolises the awakening of its spirit followed by the lion dance.

At the event there were also Chinese dragon dances, kung fu displays as well as traditional food and dance.

People born in the Year of the Rooster are characterised as honest, energetic, intelligent, flexible and sensitive. But according to Chinese astrology, for people whose zodiac sign is the Rooster, this is one of the most unlucky years.

Chinese New Year traditionally lasts a further 15 days, and there will be two more events in Southampton: