Macao will soon be filled with the colourful sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as it welcomes the 'Year of the Dog'. From 16 February, Macao's bustling city streets will be transformed with sparkling lanterns and decorations, ready for the week-long festive period, the most important and colourful festival in Macao's events calendar. Excited crowds will be wowed with show-stopping parades, cultural performances and breathtaking firework displays.

The festive programme begins with the Golden Dragon and Lion Parade on 16 February, when a 238-metre golden dragon and 18 lions will lead a parade from the iconic Ruins of St Paul's past some of Macao's most famous sites, finishing at Sai Van Lake Square. On 16 and 17 February lucky red 'lai see' packets will be given out to residents and visitors by tourism mascots and ambassadors, while artistic groups from across Europe and Asia will perform around the city, enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.

The highlight events of the festivities are the two Parades for Celebration of the Year of the Dog, which take place on the third and ninth days of Chinese New Year (18 and 24 February) when illuminated floats and over 1000 performers from around the world make their way through the city's atmospheric streets and plazas. The first parade begins with an opening ceremony at Sai Van Lake Square and culminates in a firework display in front of the Macau Tower. The second parade runs from Rua Norte do Patane to Iao Hon Market Garden, where there will be cultural performances from local singers.

Throughout the festive period, crowds will visit the city's many temples to ask for blessings for the Lunar New Year, while fresh flowers, potted plants and bouquets are given as gifts for good luck. Temporary flower markets spring up across the city selling “auspicious” plants such as mandarin trees and bamboo stems, as well as pussy willow, cherry and plum blossoms, and orchids.

Another indispensable feature of the Chinese New Year celebrations are fireworks and firecrackers, whose loud cracking noises are used to scare away evil spirits; two designated areas are set up for people to buy and set them off in safety.

Chinese New Year is just one highlight in an exciting calendar of events in Macao, from traditional Portuguese and Chinese festivals reflecting the destination's unique heritage, to more contemporary sporting and arts events.

Are you still trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone for Valentines Day?

Something meaningful and from the heart?

Then look no further, the poetry of Dave Wilkes of Just Divine is coming to Birmingham on the 10th February 2018.

You can meet with Dave at John Lewis in Grand Central Birmingham from 12pm to 2pm to talk with him and create some beautiful poems celebrating Valentines.

Dave will be located on the ground floor in the Stationary Department next to the pens counter.

Don't leave your loved one out in the cold, get your bespoke Valentines gift from Dave Wilkes of Just Divine.

Contact Dave Wilkes on 07896787235 for more information.

February is LGBT history month, and this year Haringey Council will be marking it by catching up with some of those making a difference in the borough.

From charity work to fantastic school achievements and even a Mustang being transformed into a unicorn, they'll bring you some inspiring LGBT+ stories from Haringey.

The borough has the eighth highest LGBT+ community in London and has a proud LGBT+ rights history, including community marches in the 80s in support of the gay community, and great work from local politicians to campaign for LGBT equality, including the successful scrapping of Section 28 (which banned councils from promoting homosexuality) and support for gay marriage.

The council is also currently putting together proposals to further Haringey’s commitment to being an LGBT+ inclusive borough.

As part of LGBT History Month in Haringey, you can expect to hear from Zenith Motorcycles owner Karen Neill, the Wise Thoughts charity, Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing Cllr Alan Strickland, Woodside High School and Haringey Police. We are also holding staff events to promote LGBT+ equality within the council.

Check out their page to learn more about LGBT History Month in Haringey, and look out for updates and interviews on their culture pages throughout February.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Eugene Ayisi, said:Haringey’s diversity is one of its brilliant strengths and I’m really pleased we are able to highlight some of the people who are making a real difference in our borough as part of LGBT History Month. As a council we are proud of Haringey’s inclusivity and are committed to doing all that we can to promote this across the borough.

Hip-hop beats and breakneck breakdancing moves descended upon Birmingham as Break Mission showed off their talents, and their mission to the world thanks to Huawei and Dazed.

Anthony Shintai Amao, a passionate photographer and Break Mission breakdancer in his own right was the overall winner of a competition to Reveal the Real You. Anthony was one of a select group given the Huawei P10, to inspire them to showcase their communities and causes to the world.

Three winners each received £10,000 for their chosen cause, and Anthony was the overall winner, putting on an exhibition of his photography in the Rotunda Square at the Bull Ring.

“I’ve always had a passion for photography, normally I take pictures at dance events just for myself, but when I saw the chance to showcase my community on a platform like this I just jumped at the chance,” explained Anthony.

“I wanted to show breaking in a contrasting environment, and with the photographs that the P10 allowed me to take with its fast shutter speed, I was able to capture these shots that wouldn’t have been possible on many other phones.”

Anthony’s favourite shot is one of 3 breakdancers in front of the Pagoda at Holloway Circus with one of the breakers on his head, directly in front of the pagoda.

A wonderful shot, really a great juxtaposition of the city landscape and the surprising orientation of the people in front of it.

These phone images were blown up to massive proportions for the exhibition, and the quality of the shots captured by the P10 were very impressive.

“Technology is so important, and at Huawei we feel it can be a power for good, especially as smartphone photography is the ultimate form of self expression” said Justin Costello Sales & Marketing Manager at Huawei Technologies, “We’re very proud of Anthony and Break Mission.”

Break Mission is a community of graffiti artists, MC’s, and dancers, who want to give back and help the homeless. They hold events with no entry fee, where they just ask for unwanted clothes or canned goods, and donated to the homeless charities in the areas that they perform in.

There is an upcoming event for Break Mission later this year, and the funding received from winning this competition will allow Antony and the organisation to extend their reach across the UK and even internationally to continue the good work they are doing.

Andrew Garrihy, CMO for Huawei Europe commented: “Our finalists have shown just how powerful a tool the smartphone is in capturing the world around us and we’re thrilled Huawei technology has given people a platform to tell their stories, shining a light on many of the important issues impacting young people today.”

Three new arrivals are attracting the crowds at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich.

Victoria, Beth and Polly the Jersey cows have moved in and visitors are invited to go along to meet them and see them being milked.

The ladies, who are on loan from Sheldon Country Park, can be seen being milked at 11am every day.

And their delicious milk – they produce around seven litres each a day – should soon be on sale at the farm shop.

Cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore said: “The Jersey cows are another great addition to Forge Mill Farm.

“We have some more new arrivals on the way as we have sheep, goats and pigs on the farm about to give birth.

“Spring is a great time to visit both Forge Mill and Sandwell Park Farms.”

Admission to Forge Mill Farm is free, with a small charge for admission and some activities during school holidays.

The farm also offers educational visits for schools at Sandwell Valley aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2.

They include woodland walks including hunting for and identifying mini beasts, pond-dipping, farm visits and learning about the production of homegrown produce in the Victorian gardens.

The school visits take place from May to July and can be booked by 0121 569 3070.

Neighbouring RSPB Sandwell Valley, located just off the Newton Road in Great Barr, also offers educational visits designed to give primary school pupils hands-on learning experiences whilst having fun and making memories.

The Black Country Road Run, supported by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, announce Andy Street as the latest runner to sign up for this great community event. The Run, which will be taking place on 1^st July 2018 in Halesowen is co-ordinated by Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary Club.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am very much looking forward to taking part in this event which promises to be a great occasion. Not only will it be a great event for runners but will also raise money for many good causes in the Black Country and beyond.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “It is great to see the Mayor of the West Midlands stepping up and taking on this mission. I would encourage local businesses to get involved in the new Corporate Challenge, which is new for this year, to help raise money and awareness for your chosen charities.”

Local businesses can participate in either a 10k run or fun run, which serves as a great way to get colleagues together as a team building exercise or to promote fitness in the workplace. Furthermore, it is set to be a great day supporting the local community and ultimately have fun.

Alan Bowler, Event Organiser of the Black Country Road Run, added: “The Black Country Run team, together with members of Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary club, are delighted that the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is running in the 10k race and has also agreed to start the Family Fun Run. Hopefully his support will encourage businesses throughout the Black Country to sign up and support the event and also raise lots of money for many deserving charities”.

The event is open to all abilities and you can now register your interest, please note places are limited so don’t miss out on the new corporate challenge. For more information please visit www.theblackcountryrun.com/corporate-challenge. To register your interest in the corporate challenge please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.