London is to host a celebration of Chinese culture with a wide range of events taking place across the capital during February and March.
China in London 2007 follows last year’s season of events and is designed to underline links between London and China. It will feature more than 100 events and activities at cultural institutions and other venues across the capital, including films, exhibitions and activities for children.
There will also be a series of special events to celebrate Shanghai organised by the Mayor of London in association with Shanghai Municipal People’s Government,. These will include Shanghai Animation on Screen at the BFI National Film Theatre and the Shanghai 360 degrees photo exhibition at City Hall.
Announcing the season of events Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said he looked “forward to welcoming a delegation from Shanghai to share in a special week of Shanghai themed events and to further strengthen links between our two cities.”
The season will be launched on Thursday 15 February with a lantern lighting ceremony over Oxford Circus.
London will mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year of the Pig on Sunday 18 February with the annual celebrations in Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square including a Chinese New Year parade, staged and screened entertainment in Trafalgar Square, and the traditional firecrackers on Leicester Square.
Mr Livingstone said he wanted to extend the traditional Chinese greeting for New Year to all Londoners and attendees:
“Gong Xi Fa Cai – Wishing you prosperity and wealth”
