THREE weekends packed with free, fun events are coming to Southend to mark the Chinese New Year – including a Dragon Trail throughout the city centre.

Lunar New Year festivities will begin on Saturday and a number of events are being planned to mark the start of the Year of the Dragon.

The Dragon trail – organised by the city’s Business Improvement District – will see huge Dragon footprints scattered across various High Street venues for children to follow.

Tracking down these footprints and completing challenges unlocks a free e-book on mobile phones for children to enjoy.

The trail begins at New Look in the Victoria Centre and ends at Southend Pier.

As part of the event on Saturday, The Forum will host a giant dragon, which attendees can attempt to name for a chance to win a family ticket to the Wizard of Oz at the Cliffs Pavilion.

Children can also participate in a dragon story writing competition at the children’s library in the forum.

George Bejko-Cowlbeck, chairman of Southend City BID, said: “We’re excited to present this trail for Southend which provides families some welcome free activities during half term, which should also help enliven the High Street for our businesses”.

The Dragon footprints and story pointers are situated in venues within the city, including New Look, Toys N Tuck, Claire’s, and Waterstones.

On top of the trail, Southend BID have revealed the Ironworks cafe on 90 High Street, will have Chinese New Year themed craft tables between 10am and 4pm on Saturday.

On February 17, lion dancers will be performing three shows in central Southend, one at 11am on Victoria Circus, then at noon near the Railway Bridge and later at 1pm outside the Royals.

Free storytelling sessions are also scheduled at the Royals Shopping Centre, from 11am until 12.30pm.

The trail will continue until the end of half term on Sunday, February 25.

For more, visit www.southendbid.com/