Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square

Start the Year of the Dragon with the celebrations for Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square. Featuring traditional dances, cultural stalls, fireworks and stunning live performances, the Trafalgar Square events will draw in a large crowd from many different cultures.

Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square
Actually part of a larger series of events on the 29th January which also take place throughout Shaftesbury Avenue and Chinatown, the Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square celebrations include a live show by Chinese performance artists and dancers. Central London will come alive with Chinese culture in a celebration marking the beginning of a new year.

Celebrations in Trafalgar Square
Those celebrating the Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square will first of all be be treated to a colourful parade, which starts at the square at 10.15am and winds its way through Chinatown before ending on Rupert Street at 11.30am. Expect to see a dazzling array of floats as the parade passes by, with everything from dragons to giant mythical goddesses on show.

Performances on stage
After the parade finishes, Trafalgar Square once again becomes a hive of activity as the Mayor of London and the President of Chinatown take part in the Dotting of the Eye ceremony, which brings all the dragons and lions to life. 100 performances are taking to the main stage for an afternoon of spectacular entertainment as Chinese dragons, lions and acrobats dance and perform to impress the crowds. There will also be ethnic songs to give everyone a taste of Chinese culture and traditions. The day ends with a special fireworks display at 5.40pm.

Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue
Meanwhile, in a specially decorated Chinatown there will be lion dance displays as well as cultural stalls offering food. Nearby Shaftesbury Avenue is also hosting special events throughout the day and features a stage for local Chinese artists to showcase their talents, so keep an eye out for more vibrant displays of cultural diversity.

The celebrations for Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue take place on Sunday 29th January 2012. Events are free to attend.

The parade starts from Trafalgar Square at 10.15am and finishes on Rupert Street around 11.30am. The main stage at Trafalgar Square will be hosting live performances from 12pm - 5.40pm.

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