THERE were celebrations all over Bromsgrove this week for Chinese New Year, with youngsters dressing up to help mark the year of the monkey, and everyone tucking into some tasty Chinese food.

Children and staff at Jellybabies Nursery in Rubery tried eating with chopsticks, transforming their home corner into a Chinese restaurant, and taking part in a dragon dance. They also acted out the Chinese new year animal story and learned why the years are named after animals, as well as making monkey door hangers.

At Play Days playgroup in Rednal, youngsters had a go at decorating their own dragon masks, as well as making Chinese hats, and colouring in picture lotto games of the 12 animals who are mentioned in the Chinese zodiac.

They also decorated cakes and biscuits with monkey cake toppers to help mark the year of the monkey, took part in a dragon race, and played ‘pass the lion hat’, where they all received a red lucky bag containing a chocolate money treat and information about lucky bags.

A spokesman for Play Days, said: “As we live in a multi-cultured society we feel it is important to acknowledge a whole range of festivals and events from all around the world. It was a very enjoyable week for all.”

At St John’s Care Home in the town centre, residents tucked into some tasty Chinese food, and one of the residents who is a Buddhist helped them spend the afternoon learning which Chinese year they were born in, and looking at their Chinese horoscopes.

The reception class at St Peter’s Catholic First School all dressed in themed costumes for the different animals in the zodiac, as well as traditional Chinese dress, and even the odd dragon. Throughout the day the children took part in dance, singing, creative activities and they all cooked and tasted a Chinese stir fry.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Colclough, said: “It has been our topic of learning for the past two weeks and the children have looked forward to the day of celebration.”