The Mayor and Mayoress looked on as children bobbed up and down to the loud music, while others watched with amazement as the Peterborough Chinese Association performed a unicorn and lion dance to mark the Chinese New Year. Find out more: Factfile: Chinese New year symbols »

Drums, gongs and cymbals were played to dispel evil and bring good luck for the coming year, the year of the Pig.

The Mayor then offered a lettuce tied with red ribbon, which is said to ensure a good harvest for the year and a red envelope containg a money gift, representing a wish for good fortune and wealth in the coming year.

Gwen Sandall, of Peterborough, said: "I have never been before. I only heard about it this morning, and decided to come down. It was wonderful, very entertaining."

Advisor of the Chinese association Tran Huynh said: "A lot of hard work goes into the performance, they have been practising every day and everyone enjoys it."

The Chinese New Year is the oldest and most important festival in China and is also known as the Spring Festival.

In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, people clean their houses, repay debts, buy new clothes and have their hair cut.

A celebratory meal is held on the eve of the new year, with many traditional dishes served, and fireworks and firecrackers are let off to see in the new year.

The date of the new year is determined by the lunar calendar, so can vary from late January to mid February. This year, the Chinese Year of the Boar began on Sunday, February 18, and celebrations will last for 15 days.

One of the entertainers, 17-year-old, Tim Lee, who has been performing with the association for three years said: "It is an enjoyable way to celebrate the new year."