Happy Chinese New Year to everyone celebrating here in London, in China and around the world! As we mark the start of the Year of the Rooster, let us also celebrate the many contributions of London’s Chinese community which enrich our lives in this city.
London’s Chinatown is famous for its wonderful delicacies, atmosphere and vibrant business community – it is great to see this amazing corner of our city at its best for the annual New Year celebrations. With the spectacular lion’s parade making its way from Chinatown to the heart of the capital at Trafalgar Square, live music, the best of Chinese dance, entertainment, markets and family workshops, there is something for everyone and the event is the ultimate showcase of Chinese culture.
London is open to all people and all communities – we don’t just tolerate each other’s differences, we respect and embrace them. Nowhere is this more apparent than in London’s celebration of Chinese New Year. I’m proud that the festivities here in the capital are the largest of their kind outside of China, entertaining hundreds of thousands of Londoners from all communities, as well as visitors to our city.
Chinese New Year is also a time to celebrate with friends and family, reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. The past year has been especially memorable for me and I have been delighted to meet many of London’s Chinese community out and about in my first months as Mayor. I’m committed to supporting the annual Chinese New Year celebrations and promoting Chinese culture in the capital more than any other Mayor has done before. I look forward to working with Chinese businesses to strengthen the future of Chinatown.
I wish you and your family good health, prosperity and happiness this Chinese New Year.
From my family to yours, Gong Xi Fa Cai!