London welcomes Year of the Dragon

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Thousands turned out on the streets of London to welcome in the Year of the Dragon at the capital’s annual Lunar New Year celebrations.

A traditional parade, complete with dragons, dancers and handcrafted floats, kicked off events in central London and its Chinatown neighbourhood.

The parade culminated with performers taking to the stage in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

The event is the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.

People take part in a parade during celebrations of the The Lunar Chinese New Year of the Dragon in London, Britain February 11, 2024.

The Year of the Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising strength, fortune and success

Performers take part in a parade involving costumes, lion dances and floats, to mark Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, in London.Performers take part in a parade involving costumes, lion dances and floats, to mark Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, in London.

Dancers took to the streets entertaining large crowds that lined London’s streets

Performers take part in a parade involving costumes, lion dances and floats, to mark Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, in LondonPerformers take part in a parade involving costumes, lion dances and floats, to mark Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, in London

The event’s organisers said they hoped it brought everyone happiness

Chinese lion performance on raised poles.Chinese lion performance on raised poles.

More than 500,000 people are expected to enjoy the day’s celebrations, the organisers say

London Mayor Sadiq Khan on stage at the celebrations.London Mayor Sadiq Khan on stage at the celebrations.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended the events

Huge crowds gather in Trafalgar square where traditional chinese celebratory performances are taking place.Huge crowds gather in Trafalgar square where traditional chinese celebratory performances are taking place.

The theme for the 2024 celebrations is Roaring into Sustainable Prosperity and Empowering Youth

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