Crowds of more than 300,000 gathered in central London today to mark the Chinese New Year celebrations and get the Year of the Pig off to a spectacular start.
Speaking after today’s festivities Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said “London’s Chinese New Year celebrations are growing every year and a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar as well as the China in London season.”
Mr Livingstone said the day;s events had brought together “people from all communities for a wonderful day that underlines the role of the Chinese community in the life of the capital and the links between London and China.”
“In this illustrious year of the Pig, wishing you prosperity and wealth – Gong Xi Fa Cai.”
Suzannah Kwok of the London Chinatown Chinese Association which organised the celebrations in association with the Mayor’s office said: “We’ve had a wonderful celebration of Chinese New Year in London. Thousands of people have welcomed in the Year of the Pig in spectacular style – with the grand parade and the best of Chinese arts and entertainment.”
