Snake into London for Chinese New Year

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Have some dim sum and family fun in London for Chinese New Year. With the main action taking place on February 10, the welcoming in of the Year of the Snake in London will be the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Our Chinese New Year celebrations will be without doubt an early highlight of 2013. The Year of the Snake is about change, but it is also about achievement and innovation – fitting attributes for a city like London. Londoners are resourceful, adaptable and enormously creative, so let’s rise to the challenges and create as well as seize opportunities in the year ahead. Kung Hei Fat Choy (Happy New Year).”

Chinatown is, as ever, at the centre of the New Year party. Food and craft stalls will line the streets as a magnificent lion dance snakes through the crowds, stopping at restaurants to wish the owners good luck for the coming year.

Festivities will begin in the morning with a parade from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown. Trafalgar Square will host the official opening celebration with stage performances and special guests. A second stage on Shaftesbury Avenue will feature performances from local community groups and schools.

From the parade of colourful floats and drums, to live entertainment from Emmy the Great, Paul Potts and the world-renowned Chen Brothers Flying Lion Dance and a stunning fireworks display, there really is something for everyone.

The Museum of London Docklands will celebrate the Year of the Snake with free fun art, craft and interactive storytelling events for all the family on February 9 and 10.

The National Maritime Museum will celebrate British East Asian heritage with a day of music, workshops and performances on February 23. Also in Greenwich, visitors can also discover the history and uses of fans and make a Chinese-inspired fan to take home on 20-21 February 20 and 21.

See www.visitlondon.com/chinesenewyear for the full schedule.

Picture: Chinese New Year 2012