The traditional Chinese lion dance takes center stage at London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2025 in central London on Wednesday.
The London Chinatown Chinese Association, or LCCA, brought spectacular traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances to London's New Year's Day Parade 2025 on Wednesday.
As the sole Chinese group participating, LCCA's float and dragon and lion dance troupe paraded from Green Park past iconic London landmarks including Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Big Ben to showcase this unique form in celebration of the New Year.
"Joining the parade in this way is an unforgettable experience," a performer said.
The performers also dressed as giant pandas engaged with the audience throughout the parade, shaking hands and occasionally approaching the camera for close-up shots.
Chu Ting Tang, chair of the LCCA, said: "By taking part in the parade, we highlighted the solidarity and spirit of the British Chinese community, while also sharing the joyful festive atmosphere with all."
The dragon dance team from the London Chinatown Chinese Association performs outside Green Park with festive energy during the New Year’s Day Parade in London on Wednesday.
Spectators along the route continued cheering, capturing every unforgettable moment with their cameras, despite the pouring rain.
Chu noted that the upcoming Chinese New Year Parade will be held on Feb 2 to celebrate the Year of the Snake in London's Chinatown and the West End.
London's Chinese New Year Parade, organized by the LCCA with support from the Mayor of London's office, Greater London Authority, and Westminster City Council, is the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia.
Chu said: "The snake, symbolizing wisdom and agility, represents both personal growth and societal progress. As we enter the Year of the Snake, may we all undergo transformation in the year ahead, rising to new heights, and work together to build a bright future for both the Chinese and British communities."
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Cultural performances, art and craft stalls, festive stands and hot food will be part of the event, which is expected to attract more than 700,000 local residents and international visitors, according to the LCCA.
The United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his warm support with the following message: "To all the members of the British Chinese Community, I would like to thank you for your valuable contributions to this country. I hope we can all strive for the characteristics of wisdom and determination that embodies those born in the year of the Snake."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "As mayor, I will continue to do all I can to support our city's East and South East Asian communities, make sure everyone is respected, valued and made to feel safe, and ensure London remains an open and welcoming place."
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The Lord Mayor of Westminster Robert Rigby added: "As lord mayor of Westminster, I look forward greatly to the 2025 Chinese New Year Celebrations, which bring such wonder, beauty, and richness of culture to the streets of Westminster. Our city really comes alive during these festivities, as people from across the city, the country, and the world flock to see the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia."
Festival Director of the LCCA Huang Ping said it's a privilege to once again host the Chinese New Year celebration.
"This year, inspired by The Wisdom of the Snake, the event will bring together London's diverse communities in a vibrant celebration of culture and unity. Highlights include special festivities across multiple locations, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone," Huang said.
Zhu Xue'er contributed to this story.
Performers showcase their poise and charm at the London New Year’s Day Parade despite the rainy weather.
A performer at the London New Year’s Day Parade brings the Night King from Game of Thrones to life, with detailed armor and makeup.
