A Guide To London's Chinese New Year Parade 2018

Harry Rosehill
By Harry Rosehill Last edited 73 months ago

Looks like this article is a bit old. Be aware that information may have changed since it was published.

A Guide To London's Chinese New Year Parade 2018

Mark your calendar: on 18 February 2018 the West End hosts to the biggest Chinese New Year parade outside of Asia. Here's what you can expect.

Photo: John Caribe

2018 is the Year of the Dog, which represents independence, sincerity, loyalty and decisiveness. Like most of London nowadays, you're welcome to bring your own canine along, but don't be shocked if they're not into it. The parade kicks off at 10am starting with a dragon and lion dance on Charing Cross Road, which will then snake its way through Chinatown.

Photo: John Caribe

The day is a great opportunity for Chinese Britons to celebrate their culture, and for outsiders to get a taste of it. There's a new-talent stage, specifically reserved for British-Chinese artists, on Charing Cross Road.

Kids are very much encouraged to come: there's a family and children's zone in Leicester Square, perfect for the littl'uns. If you're main knowledge of Chinese culture is old Bruce Lee movies, the Martial Arts zone on Shaftesbury Avenue might be right for you. Check out a full map of everything going on here.

Photo: pallab seth

Once the other stages have finished, head back to Trafalgar Square for the grand finale. Martial arts, pop music and incredible pyrotechnics make this quite the spectacle.

Photo: pallab seth

While in Chinatown, sample some of the local cuisine — which will be bolstered by various street food stalls on the day. Want to know what's really tasty? We asked members of London's Chinese community about their favourite restaurants, many of which are close to where the festivities are taking place.

Video: Berkeley Group

There will also be plenty of unofficial Chinese New Year events taking place across London over the weekend. Check our Things To Do section for a sample of what's on.

Last Updated 08 February 2018