The Year of the Rat

The Year of the Rat is nearly upon us, and Chinese dragons are emerging from hibernation for the celebrations. What better place in which to toast the Year of the Rat than London, where there are about a dozen rats for every human? This year's China in London Season begin's today with the lighting of Chinese lanterns in Oxford Circus. The Chinese New Year Parade takes place this Sunday, beginning in The Strand at 11am, going up Charing Cross Road and ending in Shaftsbury Avenue. Trafalgar Square will host traditional dragon dances, lion dances and Chinese entertainers from noon until 6pm. Firework displays will take place in Leicester Square, and Chinatown will be decked out with goodies. If you take any great photos and you're at least 18 years old, enter them in the London Chinatown Chinese Association competition (CLICK).