What's in store for Chinese New Year 2012
2012 is a year with plenty to celebrate. From the London 2012 Olympic Games to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Londoners are preparing for a fantastic year of parties, parades and events across the capital, set to kick off with Chinese New Year celebrations across the capital on 29 January. This year’s celebrations will run from 10am until 6pm at locations across London:
- Festivities will begin at 10am with the return of the fantastic New Year’s parade around the West-end. Passing through Chinatown, Shaftsbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Rupert Street the parade will reach its final destination of Trafalgar Square at 12pm
- An official opening ceremony will then take place in Trafalgar Square from 12pm with speeches from special guests including Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Susie Burbridge and the Chinese Ambassador to London, Mr. Liu Xiaoming
- Once officially opened, the real celebrations will kick off with Dragon dancing, music and performances on the Trafalgar Square stage from 12pm-6pm
- Alongside Trafalgar Square, a second stage on Shaftesbury Avenue will host performances from a range of local community groups and schools, also from 12pm – 6pm
- Meanwhile Chinatown will play host to a parade by Lion dancers as well as a range of stalls selling traditional produce throughout the day
Sunday 29 January 2012 will see the arrival of the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, a creature renowned in Chinese legend, to the heart of London’s West End to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Often seen as perhaps the most important sign in the Zodiac, Chinese tradition dictates that those born in Dragon years tend to be brave, innovative and highly driven often making it to the top of their profession. Famous people born in Dragon year include Bill Clinton, Reese Witherspoon and Salvador Dali.
For more information on any of the activities, please visit www.thelondonchinatown.org.uk or call 020 7851 6686
