Whilst it doesn’t feel like two minutes since we were seeing in 2016, Leeds is now gearing up to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Monkey begins on Monday 8 February, and there are a number of ways you can get into the spirit in the city. Here are our hot picks of what’s going on and where: Chinese New Year Festival – Leeds Town Hall – Sunday 14 February So this comes almost a week late, but who cares? The annual event is organised by the Leeds Chinese Community, and provides the perfect chance to celebrate the New Year alongside Valentine’s Day. As well as theatrical performances of music, Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts and calligraphy, there will be a selection of stands selling traditional Chinese food and crafts, as well as face painting for the kids. For information and tickets, check out the LCCA website here. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.394817840078!2d-1.5518563839527095!3d53.800257948314986!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1da101f4bf%3A0x5310059e9245206!2sLeeds+Town+Hall!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1454338580846" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The Yorkshire and Humber Chinese New Year Dinner – Leeds Civic Hall – Tuesday 2 February If you’re in business and have become bored of the run-of-the-mill networking events, then this could be the one for you. With around 180 attendees, all of whom have business links to China, it’s a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure and enjoy traditional Chinese food, whilst picking up some useful contacts. Tickets are running out fast, so grab them here whilst you can. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.2853970053025!2d-1.5507101839527118!3d53.802205148168106!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1ce188d5c1%3A0xe115cf998678ac9b!2sCivic+Hall!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1454338648667" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Maxi’s Chinese Restaurant – Bingley Street - Leeds Maxi’s Chinese Restaurant opened up in Leeds way back in 1989, and is widely regarded as the city’s finest. Serving up a mouth-watering blend of authentic Cantonese and Peking cuisine in a traditional setting, Maxi’s have not let the recent floods get them down and are already back in business. Bookings are going through the roof, so if you want to celebrate here then reserve your place pronto! <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.4309555633345!2d-1.564041583952744!3d53.799614848363255!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795ea4ee21e79b%3A0x956dae9a06aad25b!2sMaxi's!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1454338739016" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Leeds Chinese Collection and the Chinese Zodiac – Leeds City Museum – Friday 5 February Antonia Lovelace, Curator of World Cultures, is allowing adults to come peruse Leeds fine collection of Chinese artefacts for one day only. For just £10, you can take in the collection which spans vintage fine porcelain, and comes bang up to date with contemporary culture; lunch is also included. To book, call 0113 224 3732, or take a look online for further information. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.322148143845!2d-1.5490226840132508!3d53.80155114821755!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c1ce188d5c1%3A0x15d618c32f35e14!2sLeeds+City+Museum!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1454338902344" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>