Shoppers will be treated to pancake races and dancing lions when they head into town.

Gravesend’s annual pancake race makes a return on Tuesday, February 13, with a prize up for grabs for the winning team.

Heats will take place in New Road at 12pm and 12.30pm on Shrove Tuesday, allowing people to take part in their lunch hours.

Gravesend Town Centre Manager, Graham Long, said: “Come down and join us for this fun, free event. It’s a chance to see and support your favourite shops and businesses having a laugh, some fun and a flipping good time.”

The sixth annual Pancake Day races are being held in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation, and supported by McDonald's Gravesend.

The Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Harold Craske, will be adjudicating and present the trophies, which have again been donated by Gravesham Trophy Centre.

The following week, there will be traditional Chinese entertainment including the “awakening” of a lion to celebrate Chinese New Year on Tuesday, February 20.

The celebrations will start at 11am on Community Square where the lion will receive green leaves from Cllr Craske and then make its way across the square to receive more leaves from local businesses.

Entertainment will then follow in The Woodville’s auditorium from 11.30am including Chinese martial arts, singing, dancing and music.

The event has been organised in partnership with Ying Tao Association and Twin Dynasty.

Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally last two weeks in China and will start on February 16 this year.

Cllr Gurjit Bains said: “Chinese New Year is often linked with new beginnings, a time to focus on hopes, dreams and aspirations and I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to celebrate this vibrant, colourful festival with us.

“I am extremely proud of Gravesham and the diverse community that we have here.

"The Chinese year of the dog is often recognised as promoting being strong willed and loyal to your friends and neighbours so let’s take this opportunity to rejoice in and embrace the many cultures and religious faiths that makes up our wholesome community.”