Today, 31st January, is Chinese New Year 2014, but London marks the Year of the Horse on 2nd February and you could be part of the celebrations! Usually the largest celebrations outside of Asia, London’s West End hosts one and all with events kicking off from 10am as a brightly coloured New Year’s Parade goes along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue on its way to Chinatown.
At midday, there is an official opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square, followed by a mass of performances including traditional dance, song recitals, acrobatics, theatre displays and more. On Shaftesbury Avenue, there will be a further stage where you can watch new, up-and-coming acts and local performers. Between these two main events, there will be plenty of food stands, craft stalls, restaurants and cafes. The Chinese Community Centre is set to host an intimate festival within the Horse & Dolphin Yard which will feature a range of traditional Chinese arts, such as drumming, calligraphy, dancing and, of course, martial arts.
London is hosting a whole range of events throughout the city to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Year of the Horse. Yauatcha, the Michelin-starred dim sum tea house, has teamed with Harvey Nichols and has launched a limited edition menu for the festivities and will be hosting their very own dragon dance within the restaurant on 2nd February! Hutong in The Shard – the first time they’ve been involved in Chinese New Year celebrations - is offering a ‘Double Happiness’ menu, with traditional Chinese dishes and a performance from the lion dance troupe. London’s own National Maritime Museum is also getting involved with free workshops and performances on 15th February, whilst Madame Tussauds will display customary decorations and music on 1st February.
The Chinese New Year is certainly a fun-filled, extremely colourful event that delivers a carnival-type atmosphere, and is not to be missed!
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By Oliver Derek