Chinese New Year in London 2018 – Year of the dog

Its the Chinese new year of the Dog and it was celebrated last weekend in London, where 1000s came out in the cold, to enjoy the parade and festivities in Trafalgar Square. Outside of China this is the biggest event for the Chinese New Year celebrations, it is into its 20th year in the capital and it always attracts big crowds.

The Parade

The day starts with the parade through the streets around China town in central London, from Charing Cross road to Rupert street. The 2 hour parade features over 50 Chinese dragon and lion teams. The theme for the celebrations this year is Celebrating the Golden Era for UK-China Relations.

Dogs are especially auspicious to the Chinese community as they symbolise the coming of fortune, those born in the year of the dog are friendly, sincere, loyal and dependable.

Chinese New Year Parade 2018 Chinese New Year Parade 2018 Chinese New Year Parade 2018 Chinese New Year Parade 2018 Chinese New Year Parade 2018

Trafalgar Square

The square was packed for the various shows that entertained the crowds from the stage, it began with the thanks giving ceremony and was opened by Sadiq Khan the London Mayor.

Nanjing Little Red Flower Troupe

Nanjing Little Red Flower Dance Troupe is the first children’s art troupe which combines both culture education and art education in China.

Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe
Chinese New Year 2018
Nanjing little red flower troupe

He Wu, British Chinese Soprano

Is an opera singer in London, having studied at the Royal Opera house in Covent Garden. Before she came to the UK she was a child star in China.

She has worked on many operas and sang for the First Lady of China, when she came to the UK in 2015.

Singing for the crowds in Trafalgar Square for Chinese New Year, below are the photographs I took on the day.

Chinese New Year 2018
He Wu – Soprano singer
Chinese New Year 2018
He Wu – Soprano singer
Chinese New Year 2018
He Wu – Soprano singer
Chinese New Year 2018
He Wu – Soprano singer

Legend, HK Retro Pop Band

Retro covers band from Hong Kong, photos below.

Chinese New Year 2018
Legend, HK Retro Pop Band
Chinese New Year 2018
Legend, HK Retro Pop Band
Chinese New Year 2018
Legend, HK Retro Pop Band

Finale

The dragons danced for the finale, plus a variety of showstopper performances, a special appearance from TV personality Gok Wan and a spectacular pyrotechnic display, which lights up Trafalgar Square to mark the end of the Year of the Dog festivities.

Chinese New Year 2018
Finale

The Chinese New Year celebrations in London is organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association and is supported by Mayor of London and Westminster City Council. Thanks for the media pass.

Thank you for reading my blog, you can find more photographs on my Flickr & Instagram, links are below, leave a comment below on what you thought about the new year celebrations in London.

Video to come soon….

Links

Flickr – httpss://www.flickr.com/photos/alalchan/albums/72157688146914640
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alalchan
Official Site – https://visitilondon.com/china

Recommended

Luke Jerram’s Mars in the Painted Hall, London, UK

December Events 2024

Welcome to my December newsletter! Another year is passing, and looking back, it has been a very productive year for me, with over 250 events and over 130,000 photos shot. Plus, there is still one month to go! How has your year been?

November Events 2024

Welcome to my November newsletter! I hope you are well and looking forward to the winter months. This month will have lots of colourful lights, with fireworks and Christmas lights switched on.

London Fashion Week Portraits

October Events 2024

Welcome to my October newsletter! Autumn is in full swing, and the vibrant colors of the season are everywhere. The leaves are falling, and it’s the perfect time to grab your camera and capture the beauty all around you. Let’s dive into this colorful month together!

Advertising

  • Sale! Andrew Lalchan Calendar 2025 - front

    Calendar 2025 – Photographer Andrew Lalchan

    Original price was: £19.99.Current price is: £11.99.

    Calendar 2025 – Photographer Andrew Lalchan

    Original price was: £19.99.Current price is: £11.99.

    A Year of Photography: Each month features a dynamic and visually striking photograph, from press photocalls to model shoots in 2024. Perfect for photography lovers and those with an eye for elegance, the 2025 Andrew Lalchan Calendar brings the excitement of the spotlight right to your wall.

    Eco-Friendly Production: Committed to sustainability, the calendar uses eco-friendly inks and materials, ensuring your purchase supports environmental responsibility.

    This 2025 calendar is out on the 10th of October, 2024. There will only be a short run, so grab them while you can.

    An A4 portrait calendar hangs on the wall, printed on  300gsm gloss Eco Premium paper with front cover gloss laminate.

    Size : 210mm x 297mm

    FREE POST UK

     

    50 in stock

    Quick View
  • Sale! Digital Downloads

    Digital Download

    Original price was: £15.00.Current price is: £5.50.

    Digital Download

    Original price was: £15.00.Current price is: £5.50.

    Digital download of one of my photographs.

    Quick View
  • Cassiobury Park Fireworks

    Cassiobury Park Fireworks 2017

    £14.99£95.99

    Cassiobury Park Fireworks 2017

    £14.99£95.99

    The stunning display of fireworks this year would make an ideal gift from Watford.

    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
    Quick View
  • Lord Mayor Show Fireworks

    Lord Mayors Fireworks Show

    £14.99£95.99

    Lord Mayors Fireworks Show

    £14.99£95.99

    Looking towards St Paul’s Cathedral along the Thames when the Lord Mayors Show Fireworks took place.

    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
    Quick View
  • London Eye with love

    London Eye with love

    £14.99£95.99

    London Eye with love

    £14.99£95.99

    An iconic feature of the London skyline it especially looks good when the colour changes as it does during valentines week.

    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
    Quick View
  • Rose drop

    Rose drop

    £14.99£95.99

    Rose drop

    £14.99£95.99

    Rain drops on roses

    This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
    Quick View