In pictures: London's Chinese New Year parade 2026

The Chinese New Year has been marked with a colourful parade in central London featuring, dancing, music and dragons.

Billed as the biggest Lunar New Year festival outside of Asia, the Chinatown event drew thousands of spectators.

It marks the start of the Year of the Horse, which began on 17 February.

The first day of the Chinese New Year falls on the new moon which appears between 21 January and 20 February every year.

The London parade began in Trafalgar Square before moving up Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue and then into Chinatown.

The New Year dragon dance, one of the highlights of the parade, is rooted in traditions which are meant to celebrate prosperity and ward off evil spirits.

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