It might not be Rio with revellers basking in glorious sunshine but carnival oriental-style came to Chatham on Saturday with the annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

A 200-strong parade of dragon and lion dancers all helped to bring a splash of colour to the town on a gloomy January day.

Hundreds of spectators who lined the High Street entered into the spirit by cheering as the procession made its way along the High Street accompanied by the thunder of loud drums.

Now rated the second biggest in the country, the annual festival was for the first time held on a Saturday rather than a Sunday.

This meant that many of the close-knit Chinese community in
Medway and many of the performers could attend yesterday’s event in London.

Verne Sanderson, event co-ordinator, said: “Having it on a Saturday definitely meant that there was a bigger crowd than previous years. But it wasn’t just shoppers.

“It was people who had travelled especially for the festival. As usual it was a great atmosphere.”

The procession heralding the Year of the Rooster started in Church
Street and was led by Medway mayor Cllr Stuart Tranter and mayoress Sarah Tranter.

It made its way to the Pentagon entrance at Military Road where there was a 30-minute outdoor performance of traditional Chinese dancing, music and martial arts.

Among those taking part were dancers from the Chatham-based Dance Alley, who have worked with the Kut-O Association, a long-established charity which helps the Chinese community across Kent.

Principal Alison Plummer said: “The girls love the colourful costumes and being part of the festival but the material was quite thin so they had to wear thermals underneath.

“They have learned some traditional routines and the younger ones did a ribbon dance.”

For more pictures, see Friday’s edition of Medway Messenger