Chinese New Year 2012 celebrations in Soho

Sunday 29th January sees the long-awaited arrival of the 2012 Chinese New Year Celebrations. Chinese New Year is the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar and this year is set to be the most spectacular party yet. The festivities will run from 10.15am until 6pm at locations across London, with a wide range of events and activities scheduled.

Festivities will begin at 10.15am with the return of the fantastic New Year's Parade around the West-end. Passing through Chinatown, Shaftsbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Rupert Street the colourful floats and beating of drums will reach its final destination of Rupert Street at 11.30am. There will be over 40 Asian arts and crafts stalls dotted around the West end throughout the day

An official opening ceremony will then take place in Trafalgar Square from 12pm with speeches from special guests including Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Susie Burbridge and the Chinese Ambassador to London, Mr. Liu Xiaoming

Once officially opened, the celebrations will kick off with Dragon dancing, music and performances with acts such as The Chen Brothers Flying Lion Dance, Shanghai Song and Dance Troupe and National Music Orchestra of Jilin Province on the Trafalgar Square stage from 12pm-5.40pm

Alongside Trafalgar Square, a second stage on Shaftesbury Avenue will host performances from a range of local community groups and schools, also from 12pm – 6pm

Meanwhile Chinatown will play host to a parade by Lion dancers as well as a range of stalls selling traditional produce throughout the day

At 5.40pm a stunning fireworks display will mark the end of the day's celebrations.

The London Mayor, Boris Johnson commented "I am delighted once again to be supporting London's Chinese New Year celebrations, which bring wonderfully energising colour and noise onto the streets of central London. 2012 is a momentous year for the capital and, with the Year of the Dragon's themes of passion, ambition and success, I can think of no better way to help kick off a year of amazing highlights."

The 2012 Chinese New Year celebrations are organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association. For more information visit www.thelondonchinatown.org.uk