Chinese New Year parade LIVE: Celebrations as Manchester marks beginning of Year of the Snake

Thousands will line the streets of Manchester city centre on Sunday for a huge parade marking Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, took place on Wednesday (January 29) but is celebrated for several weeks.

The iconic dragon parade will feature a huge procession featuring a stunning traditional dragon alongside acrobatic performances, dancers and drummers.

The parade, which begins at midday, will culminate in Chinatown. This year's celebrations mark the official start of the Year of the Snake.

Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are two terms that often get used interchangeably though are not exactly the same thing. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the New Year celebration specific to China.

Lunar New Year refers to the celebration of the new year based on the Lunar calendar, which follows the moon's orbit around the earth.

Follow all the latest updates from the parade in our live blog below.

This is what it looks like right now. Very jubilant and family friendly atmosphere with lots to do. Kids are very excited, you can’t go a second without hearing the sound of a firecracker being smashed onto the pavement. @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/pxH46mg6B6

Our reporter Rami is in China Town ahead of the parade

Good morning! I’m currently at the very busy Chinatown ahead of today’s Dragon parade in Manchester to celebrate the Lunar New Year @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/LT20H7oRbZ