Also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year is a big celebration festival among Chinese communities across the globe.
Because it is based on the lunar and solar calendars, the date varies each year and is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
This year will be the year of the pig!
Heading down to London’s West End to celebrate? With colourful parades, performances and displays taking place in and around China Town, you’re bound to have a good time.
Whilst Chinese New Year lands on the 5th February, celebrations will be taking place on the 10th February and here is all you need to know so that you don’t miss out.
Locations:
The festivities will kick off in the West End from Shaftsbury Avenue all the way down to Trafalgar Square where you can expect to enjoy some performances on the main stage. There will also be some fun family friendly activities and tasty treats in China Town.
Trafalgar Square
The celebrations in Trafalgar Square usually begin with a thanksgiving ceremony are followed by firecrackers, speeches and the Lion’s Eye Dotting Ceremony.
Witness some traditional dragon and flying lion dances as well as acrobatics, Chinese dancing and rock hits on the main stage.
West End Stages:
The fun will continue across the West end with fun activities and workshops.
You can spot Chinese Spectrum Radio Onstage at the talent and community zone in Charing Cross and also see up-and coming Chinese British artists.
Family friendly entertainment will be happening in the family and children’s zone in Leicester Square whilst martial arts such as taekwondo will be taking place in the cultural zone in Shaftsbury Avenue.
Chinatown
Take some selfies with the zodiac signs in China Town and finish off your celebrations with a lovely sit down meal in one of China town’s tasty restaurants.
The Parade:
More than 50 teams will be taking place in the Chinese New Year parade which will kick off with dragon and lion dances and feature handcrafted colourful floats making their way through Charing Cross and onto Shaftsbury Avenue.
Want to get involved in all the madness? Why not celebrate the year of the pig, sporting one off our pig costumes? We have a wide selection to choose from.