Chinese New Year in Hampstead: ‘Record crowd’ of families for annual lion dance celebrations

Lion dancing in Hampstead is a Chinese New Year tradition. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: 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 (Image: 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 (Image: Archant)

Linda Chung speaks to the crowd in Hampstead for the annual lion dance. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

Tulip Siddiq at Hampstead's annual Chinese New Year celebration. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: 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 (Image: Archant)