Liverpudlians are being urged to put their derby divisions to one side this weekend to celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year 2009... the Year of the Ox.
While Merseyside's two footballing halves of blue and red clash in the FA Cup on Sunday on January 25, organisers for the Year of the Ox party are inviting the public to wear something in RED to mark the city's Chinatown celebrations.
Red is an auspicious colour for the Chinese, especially associated with happiness and festivals, and there's an added incentive as awards will be handed out to the best dressed male and female in the crowds.
The most creative outfits will be selected and photographed by 'undercover' judges from Liverpool Chinese Business Association with an internet vote on their website. The winners will be notified on Monday, 2nd February and will receive an attractive prize.
Liverpool City Council and Chinese Community groups will be organising an eclectic mix of activities from 11am - 4pm, with highlights such as the major fire cracker display at 1pm in Great George Square, at the end of Nelson Street.
A whole host of events will be displayed along Nelson Street, Berry Street and Duke Street area which is home to Europe's biggest Chinese arch.
As well as fire cracker displays there will be dragon, lion and unicorn dance performances; a Chinese New Year market; and musical performances at the centre stage of Great George Street, as well as in the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre in Henry Street.
St. Luke's Church will also be rejoicing in the celebrations, with plenty of interesting activities on offer including free Chinese music workshops.
Thousands of people are expected to attend Sunday's celebrations in Liverpool, which is also home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
The city's Year of the Ox celebrations will go on into the evening with the Chinese Variety Show at Britannia Adelphi Hotel, showcasing local and international performers. The show will be presented by Billy Hui from BBC Radio Merseyside's Orient Express programme.
The Year of the Ox will also see Liverpool finalise its plans to showcase itself in its Chinese twin city at the Shanghai Expo 2010 - which is seen as a huge investment opportunity as Liverpool is one of only two UK cities represented at what is the world's largest business convention.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Liverpool's Chinese community plays a huge role in the everyday multi-cultural life of the city and made a fantastic contribution to our Capital of Culture celebrations.
"Over the past decade the Chinese New Year celebrations have got better and better and I'm sure Sunday will be another great day out for all the family. The next 12-18 months will also see the city forge even closer bonds with China through the Expo and I hope the year of the Ox can live up to its meaning as one of prosperity."
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