Calls for people in the East Midlands to 'do more' to celebrate diversity
Leicester is gearing up for it's annual Chinese New Year celebrations this weekend
There are calls for people in the East Midlands to better engage with cultural celebrations, to help the region's diverse communities feel included.
It comes as the start of Lent, Ramadan and Chinese New Year all fall on the same day in 2026.
This weekend, Leicester will welcome thousands of visitors to watch the city's annual Chinese New Year celebrations.
Amanda Leandro organises the event and told us before this, Chinese New Year had never been celebrated in the city: "I remember speaking with the Chinese community and they told me how they had never celebrated it before.
"We did some fundraising and in 2017 we held our first event. As it has grown, we have people who travel all over the East Midlands. It must be the biggest Chinese New Year celebration in the region," she said.
Leicester's Chinese New Year celebrations:
This year's event spans the entire weekend, starting with performances in the High Cross Shopping Centre on Saturday (21st Feb).
On Sunday (22nd Feb), there will be a procession throughout the city centre, including dragons, puppets and live music.
It will finish in the Town Hall Square for a show including fireworks and pyrotechnics.
'Break down barriers'
Amanda said having the event across the city centre is a huge bonus: "I want people to experience the event incidentally, rather than having to attend something. It will break down barriers and help people have a better understanding of Chinese culture.
"It is nice to see so many generations of Chinese people enjoying it. When we light the lanterns we see so many happy faces because it is an important part of their celebrations.
"It is important to see people as people and to ignore the stereotypes. Leicester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. You do not need to travel anywhere to experience culture," she said.