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Chinese New Year 2012

This event has now finished Sun Jan 29 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN Full details & map

Around Town: Festivals

FreeRecommendedFamily friendly

Time Out says 8 Users say 2/5 Rate it

January 29 2012 sees the celebrations to welcome in the Year of the Dragon take place in Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue (central London's big event traditionally takes place on the first Sunday after the official start of the Chinese New Year, which in 2012 is on January 23). Festivities begin at 10.15am with a parade of colourful floats from Trafalgar Square to Rupert Street. At noon, Boris Johnson and Chinatown president Stanley Tse commence the Dotting of the Eye ceremony, kickstarting an afternoon of performances featuring music, dance, Chinese dragons, lions and acrobatics. The show culminates in a fireworks display at 5.40pm. Chinatown will be filled with cultural and food stalls and displays all day.

For a round-up of Chinese New Year Events and recommended Chinatown restaurants, see www.timeout.com/chinese-new-year

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Comments & ratings 2/5 (Average of 8 ratings)

By Shauna - Jan 30 2012
2/5

Underwhelmed by fireworks and booths for that matter. Some of the entertainment was, well, entertaining. The Museum of London was the day's highlight for me.

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By Adam Whitney - Jan 29 2012
2/5

What a load of rubbish. No fireworks finale just a few fireworks to keep a few thousand people happy. A waste of time and worst fireworks in London for ages.

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By Becky - Jan 29 2012
1/5

Too many people walking into each other and the lay out wasn't set out well!

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By caroline - Jan 29 2012
1/5

Worst fireworks Ever.

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By xxx - Jan 29 2012
2/5

It was ok

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Lizzy Kzd
By Lizzy - Jan 29 2012

m here right now!its amazying!)i love this idea)if ur still home and wanna come,wear smthg warm)its realy cold

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By curious londoner - Jan 29 2012
1/5

So badly organised. Clueless stewards, a not so big crowd completely overwhelming the event Trafalgar Sq a quarter empty but not letting people in. Badly placed hoardings and temporary buildings make it impossible to see from around the square. Virtually no stalls in china town.

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Jacqui Payne
By Jacqui - Jan 28 2012

Always wanted to see the celebrtions for Chinese New Year and now I am with my daughters tomorrow, am sure we will thoroughly enjoy the day!!

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Jacqui Payne
By Jacqui - Jan 28 2012

An event that i've always wanted to attend am now i am with my lovely daughters - am sure we will enjoy it!

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By Zhibek - Jan 27 2012

we are definitely coming;)

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By dtks888 - Jan 27 2012

EARLIER perf time of 5.08pm confirmed for new music / video perf of XX/XY in Traf Sq, Sun 29 Jan (arrive 4.45pm) - perf. lasts 12 mins, so don't be late!

https://www.facebook.com/events/309711549073360/?ref=ts

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By dtks888 - Jan 26 2012

Chinatown Arts Space presents new music/video premiere
XX/XY by Liz Liew and Andy Leung
Sun 29 Jan, Traf Sq, CNY 2012, 5pm for 5.20pm
Part of PRS for Music Foundation's New Music 20x12 for the Cultural Olympiad
Come and enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/events/309711549073360/?ref=ts

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Sally Wong
By Sally - Jan 23 2012

Kung Hey Fat Choi! Very looking forward to the event.
It's gonna be my first time :)

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By Telltails - Jan 23 2012

http://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/events/251862998219496/

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William Reeve
By William - Jan 23 2012

新年快乐!!

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Sarah Christine Butler
By Sarah - Jan 22 2012

going up with a new romance,... so the chinese year of the dragon is a good time to start love... hoping Andrew and I have a great time.xx

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Rick Lehane
By Rick - Jan 22 2012

Been meaning to go for years now. Think I'm about ready for another new years eve party.

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Edita Bauriene
By Edita - Jan 22 2012

looking forward to go!:)

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Bynoe Ghazi
By Bynoe - Jan 21 2012

under nelson's erection....happy new 365 days!! :)

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By sara - Jan 14 2012

tina, tmb puedes hacer coincidir tu viaje con algo interesante. como el nuevo año chino.

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Sue Leverett
By Sue - Jan 10 2012

So looking forward to it, it's going to be a super day out!

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By Steven - Jan 4 2012

I think the website should be www.chinatownlondon.org, NOT londonchinatown.org.

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James Wilson
By James - Jan 4 2012

First time for me. Looking forward to it.

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By Pat Novelo - Jan 3 2012

I am definitely coming coming this festival and looking forward to it.

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Maggie Kearney
By Maggie - Oct 8 2011

Not as half as good as when they used to do the big parade.It was the best part of the celebrations.

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