Celebrate Chinese New Year in Norwich and support vital advice charities

The festivities will see the return of the traditional lion dance, a symbol of China's culture believed to bring good luck to people and communities.

As well as an opportunity to share delicious food and enjoy excellent company, guests will be able to bid on a host of auction prizes and take part in a raffle.

Auction items range from signed Norwich City Football Club shirts to afternoon tea at The Maids Head hotel, all donated to support a group of local agencies providing essential advice to city residents – as part of the civic charity appeal.

This year’s appeal is raising funds for Citizens Advice and partners, a group of advice agencies making up the Norwich Financial Inclusion Consortium, helping city residents exercise their rights, promote equality and help reduce poverty across the city.

Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vaughan Thomas said: “The Sheriff and I would like to thank Riverbank owners, Piang Fui Pun and Toni Poon, and team for their generosity in opening their doors and hosting this special event.

“This is one of our most important fundraising events for our civic charity, and I am grateful to everyone involved for joining us to support these vital advice services.”

Get your tickets by Monday 27 January

Tickets are just £25 per person, which includes an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet served from 7.30pm, and are available via Eventbrite. To enjoy a  drinks reception with the Lord Mayor and Sheriff before dinner, you can also purchase a select number of VIP tickets for £40.

There is also still time to donate a prize to this year’s auction and raffle, a great way for local businesses to show their support and be a part of this civic occasion.

If you’re not able to attend but would like to support the charity, cheques can be made to ‘Norwich Civic Charity Appeal’ and sent c/o the civic office, City Hall, St Peters Street, NR2 1NH. Visit www.norwich.gov.uk/civic for more information.