The scene is set and the drama is about to begin - the Chinese New Year celebration will get under way in Newcastle this weekend and organisers are planning to make a real song and dance about it.
News that the city's annual party will be making a return this year for the first time since the pandemic has delighted families who have missed out on the traditional party since the last event took place in early 2020, just before Covid hit. And the big celebration will be taking place on Sunday, January 22.
The focus of attention will be Stowell Street, as usual, where all-day activities and performances will welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. This time there will be no procession there from Old Eldon Square in the city centre, as happened at the last two events, but the much-loved dances will still form the heart of the day - and this time there will be three traditional dances with a unicorn procession joining the dragon and lion dance action.
