COLOURFUL lion dances entertained more than 1,000 members of Oxford’s Chinese community who gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Today's event was the 19th annual celebration organised by Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre at the Town Hall in St Aldate’s.
The lion dances – performed by 12 dancers and musicians – were a highlight of the Chinese community’s celebration of the Year of the Tiger.
Julia Wai, event coordinator, said: “The cultural performance this year included group singing, Kung Fu and folk dances.”
Fellow organiser Crystal Tsang added: “Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival of the Chinese calendar.
“Each year is named after one of 12 symbolic animals in sequence. Those who are born in the Year of the Tiger are believed to be thoughtful, brave, strong-willed and command respect.”
On the evening before the New Year celebrations, Chinese families gathered for a feast of special dishes.
There are an estimated 7,200 Chinese living in Oxfordshire, with 4,400 living in Oxford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here