COLOURFUL costumes helped bring Chinese culture alive in Oxford for New Year celebrations.

More than 1,000 were though to have joined the special event held at the town hall yesterday.

It included a host of traditional foods and performances including the Chinese lion dance.

WATCH: Chinese New Year performances at Oxford Town Hall

The event was staged by The Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre which said it is its biggest event of the calendar each year.

Teams of volunteers and local children got stuck in and performed a two-hour show to mark the celebration.