London Chinatown New Year 2000
Report of the Chinese New Year Celebrations in London's Chinatown in 2000

2000, the year of the dragon was set to be London Chinatown's biggest Chinese new year celebrations with the streets bedecked with colourful bunting, flags, lanterns and shimmering red dragons. As ever, the many businesses of Chinatown had made their own contributions to the festive feel of the streets, with couplets and "Good Fortune" and "Good Luck" signs to be found everywhere.

The streets of Chinatown became a sea of people
For this one day Chinatown became a unique venue with east and west truly side by side. Chinese lions danced against the familiar backdrop of London's, and the streets of Chinatown became a sea of people.		Food on the move!
East meets West
A huge dragon became part of the festivities, but fell victim to the crowds. With literally no room to move, the dragon seemed to make an early departure. With the dragon's departure came the rain, albeit it very light - maybe a gift from the dragon himself - traditionally considered the custodian of water.
Rain or no rain, the street stalls did a roaring trade. Street stalls Smiles
The festivities continued both in the streets and on the stage and rain or no rain, the street stall did a roaring trade. The highlight of this year's stage performances was a performance by monks of the Shaolin Temple - the birthplace of Kung Fu. In addition there was a varied collection of the good and not so good, but something for everyone. Once again, the event was a roaring success, and even the lions seemed to carry a smile.