Bring on the dragons

While the Year of the Horse galloped into the calender on Tuesday, Chinatown waits until Sunday to celebrate in colourful, brash style.

This year, the local community takes over Trafalgar Square as the focus for its celebrations. Dancers, acrobats and martial artists perform from midday onwards alongside a varied line-up of musicians and singers that range from a rock band to a group playing traditional Chinese instruments.

Top of the bill are a wind and percussion group featuring Chinese British composer Ho Wai-On at 12.30pm and at 2.50pm Sylq, a newly formed all-girl pop group whose three members are of Chinese and Malayan descent.

In between, head to Leicester Square at 2pm for Chinese firecrackers, reputed by Chinatown residents to be the loudest you can hear in the UK.

Chinatown itself turns into a bustling bazaar for the day with craft stalls and outdoor food. Watch out for the lion and dragon dancers, though, they don't stop for anyone.

Gong hei fat choi - that's happy new year to you.

China Town (Gerrard Street, WC2 & W1), Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, Sunday, February 17, midday-5pm.