Chinese lion dancers perform during an event to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in central London, Britain, on Feb. 14, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

Around 500 thousand Chinese and British people have gathered in central London to celebrate the Chinese lunar New Year.

A grand parade started from the north of Trafalgar Square, with 30 dragon and lion dance troupes entertaining the crowd.

The celebrations featured acrobatics, martial arts, musical performance as well as Sichuan opera.

It has attracted a number of local residents.

"The kids are having their half term and it's Chinese New Year so it's a good opportunity to bring them out to experience the culture."

"We're from China, although my son was born here, but I'd like him to know about China, to understand Chinese culture and to appreciate where we're from."

Deputy festival director Joseph Wu explained the event's significance.

"Well I think if you come to London today you will see so many people here and it's really a proof of how welcoming London has been to the different communities and different cultures and how much the Chinese have been engaged in the mainstream culture as well. I think today is a real good example of community engagement. It's amazing; everybody is having a good time."

Small tents were also erected where retailers sold traditional Chinese food and New Year accessories.

This year's event which fell on Valentine's Day is one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.

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