Tens of thousands of Londoners turned out on Sunday to join the cheers of the
Chinese New Year celebrations.
Central London was transformed into a lively stage with colorful New Year
parade streaming along from China Town to the famous Trafalgar Square.
The grand parade of 350 performers got the festivities started as dragons
and lions, drums, ribbon and fan dancers made their way to downtown area,
drawing with them unending crowds with children striding over their parents'
shoulders to get a closer view of the exotic performers.
Shaanxi Dance Troupe, the Gold Sail Dance Troupe, martial arts and oriental
carnival displays by London-based Jun Mo performers later treat the audiences to
an afternoon performances of Chinese music and dance.
In China Town, restaurants and food stalls are busy serving food throughout
the day and evening as Lion Dance teams entertain the crowds. The British
Airways London Eye will be turned red on Sunday in celebration of the Chinese
New Year.
"The Chinese New Year celebrations in London are one of the largest outside
China, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from London and beyond," said
London Mayor Ken Livingstone. He predicts that celebrations for the Year of Dog
are set to be bigger and more vibrant than ever as they become part of the
three-month China in London 2006 season.
"The Chinese New Year celebrations have become an important element in
London's cultural calendar," he added.
London China Town Chinese Association organizes the annual parade and
festival with support from the Chinese Embassy, the Mayor of London, Westminster
City, Metropolitan Police, the Armed Forces as well as other business sponsors.
Chu Ting Tang, president of the association, said: "London's Chinese New Year
Celebrations continue to get bigger and better. Last year about 80,000 people
enjoyed the festivities in the capital. I hope people will see for themselves
what an exciting and vibrant place China Town is for working, eating, shopping
and living."
Editor: Joey
