As Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world today, we give you a guide of the best events across the EastLondonLines boroughs to bring in the year of the horse.

In Hackney, festivities kicked off as early as Tuesday night, when over 80 residents got together at Hackney Picturehouse to try their hands at Chinese craft, hand-stitching their own fortune cookies using felt. Celebrations continue on Tuesday 11 February at the The Drunken Monkey in Shoreditch where Chinese Elvis will be performing at 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

If you are in Tower Hamlets, then festivities organised by local charity Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets will be held at Rich Mix on Saturday.

Various performances including folk songs played by a Chinese String duo and martial arts demonstrations of Shaolin Kung Fu will give visitors a chance to appreciate Chinese culture.

William Au, manager of the Association, said the event aims to bring people from different communities together and share the joy of Chinese New Year.

He said: “It’s important for the residents in Tower Hamlets to better understand foreign culture. Also, it’s a great way to facilitate communication between the westerners and the Chinese community.”

In Lewisham, this Saturday’s annual Yam Yam! Festival of Arts and Food has been given an Eastern twist as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The event, which will be held across two venues, the Albany and Deptford Lounge, will feature cooking demonstrations and performances such as traditional Chinese lion dancing.

Those living in Croydon can take part in celebrations at Whitgift Square on Sunday.

Other than traditional performances, the event will also host cultural workshops where visitors will be able to show their creativity with Chinese calligraphy and painting.