Newcastle to launch EAST'08 as part of Chinese cultural events

NEWCASTLE, Britain, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- England's northeastern city of Newcastle is to launch EAST'08 on Sunday as part of the Chinese cultural events being unfolded in the year to promote British ties with China.

It will go along with Chinese New Year celebrations, including a photo exhibition, film shows and performances by famous Chinese dancers at Newcastle's Chinatown.

The Chinese Year of the Rat will also be celebrated with firecrackers and the lion and dragon dances which signify good fortune and prosperity in the year.

Among the year-long celebrations in the city, the Unfettered Journey will be an eye-catcher, which will be staged by the Beijing Modern Dance Company, drawing upon Buddhist philosophies of rebirth and the principle of Yin and Yang in oriental philosophy.

Organizers said the Chinese cultural events are significant with global markets shifting eastward and London preparing to receive the Olympic torch from Beijing.

Currently there are over 10,000 ethnic Chinese residing in Newcastle and its environs, including nearly 3,000 students.