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Year of the the Dragon
welcomed in with parade

by Jenni Horn

Magnificent dragons, colourful lion
dancers and banging drums heralded the start of the Year of
the Dragon.

Britain’s third largest Chinese New
Year celebrations have been taking place in Chatham.

The festivities began on Saturday,
when the High Street was filled with traditional sights and
smells.

There were stalls selling hot food,
fortune cookies and gifts, alongside dance displays and
martial arts demonstrations.

The focal point of the celebrations,
the grand parade, took place today.

Chinese dragons and lion dancers
were joined more than 150 people in costume as they made their way
through the town centre to the deafening sounds of beating
drums.

Hundreds of people lined the high
street to see the parade pass by.

The dragon, the only mythical creature
among the 12 animals in the Chinese horoscope, is believed to be
the most powerful zodiac sign.

Babies born in the Year of the Dragon,
especially boys, are said to be destined to be successful and
wealthy.

For more pictures see Monday's
Medway Messenger.

Pictures Peter
Still