BICESTER-based arts programme OYAP celebrated Chinese New Year in spectacular style yesterday with a performance from a giant handmade dragon.

Youngsters at the OYAP – formerly the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership – created the 6m-long monster during a series of creative workshops with artist Paul Batten from Theatrix Arts.

The evening performance saw the beast, which took 5 people to carry, come to life during an oriental-themed evening of celebration for the whole community which included singing, Chinese crafts and the chance to get hands on with some Chinese artefacts from Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum collection.

Laura Dobson, of OYAP, led the workshops at the at the group’s new base at the former St. Edburg’s School earlier this week.

She said: “The dragon dance is really traditional for Chinese New Year and we wanted a great way to celebrate.”

“It will be the first event at our new venue and the extra space means we can do bigger things like this.

“The children have worked very hard on it and I think it’s going to be really spectacular.”

The Chinese Dragon was made from bamboo, glue and tissue paper and then hand-painted by the youngsters, who were very keen to get involved and learn about Chinese culture.

Two children involved Summer Johnson and Bae Kitain said during the workshop: “We are making a huge Chinese dragon to perform with.

“We are making the body from little segments with bamboo sticks so that it looks like lots of cylinders and then we have covered it with tissue paper.

“There is as much construction as art involved.

"It is good for girls and boys and all ages working together.

“I think anybody would enjoy it. We are really excited about putting all the colours and last minute details on and about our final performance.”

Chinese New Year takes place on Friday, February 16 and this year will welcome the Year of the Dog.