London holds grand Chinese new year celebration

Mrs Lam, a local mother who enjoyed the lion-dance parade, told Xinhua, "I think Jewish, British people and everybody who come to work in London are very aware of Chinese new year's coming, we want to be a part of it and actually want to celebrate together."

The main celebrations in London, organized by London Chinatown Chinese Association, run from 10 am to 6 pm, and all activities are free to attend.

The Charing Cross Road stage this year has been designated as the new Talent & Community Zone, with performances and activities from up-coming British Chinese talent and DJ's from Spectrum Radio Chinese Programme to emphasise the thriving Contemporary Music Scene of the Chinese Community.

The family and children zone in Leicester Square has been extended to create a space for exciting interactive games, fun workshops and educational activities. The Martial Arts & Cultural Zone at Shaftesbury Avenue has showcased a diverse range of Chinese, East Asian and South East Asian Martial Arts. Chinatown itself was the epicentre of the New Year Party as the Food & Cuisine Zone.

This year's celebrations marks the arrival of the Year of the Dog, the 11th of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.

Peter Lam, president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, said, "The Celebration is a good opportunity for all the communities to join in for fun and friendship. We are pleased to welcome many new groups participating in the parade, not just from China but also from different local schools and clubs around London and the UK. We hope this will bring prosperity and good fortune to everyone."