Chinese New Year in Hampstead: ‘Record crowd’ of families for annual lion dance celebrations
Lion Dance outside Hampstead branch of Barclays Bank on 26.01.20. to celebrate Chinese New Year. Organiser Linda Chung beats the drum - Credit: Archant
The Chinese Year of the Rat was given a traditional welcome in the heart of Hampstead on Sunday morning.
Lion dancing in Hampstead is a Chinese New Year tradition. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
The annual "Lion Dance" in Hampstead High Street attracted what organisers said was a record crowd of families.
Linda Chung, chair of trustees at Burgh House who organise the event, told the Ham&High: "It was wonderful. The High Street was full of happy and excited children there to see the lion dance. Then it was back to Burgh House where parents were delighted for a break as we had so many activities on."
Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq also attended with her young children - she was given the ceremonial honour of waking up the lion.
Lion dancing in Hampstead is a Chinese New Year tradition. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Linda added: "It was lovely to see Tulip made it up with her family. And it's important to give a big thanks to the Burgh House team for all their work and the wonderful friends and supporters who helped make the day a success."
Drummers getting involved in Hampstead's lion dance. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Linda Chung speaks to the crowd in Hampstead for the annual lion dance. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Tulip Siddiq at Hampstead's annual Chinese New Year celebration. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Chen Teng, who enthralled children and families with music on the Erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument similar to the violin at Burgh House. Picture: Linda Chung - Credit: Archant
