Let’s talk about the dragons. These things aren’t just parading—they’re dancing. I swear one of them winked at me. Or maybe that was just the glitter in my eye from the confetti cannon.
The lion dancers were the real stars, though. They’d leap onto poles, balancing like it was no big deal. Meanwhile, I was struggling to hold my phone steady while eating a bao bun.
And the drums. Oh, the drums. You felt them in your chest like a second heartbeat. It’s impossible not to bounce along—even the grumpy-looking security guard was nodding his head.
Food, Glorious Food (And Queues)
Let’s be real: half the reason you go is for the food. The aroma hits you before you even see the parade. Sizzling noodles, char siu pork, and the sweet, sticky smell of sesame balls.
I queued for 20 minutes for a tray of dumplings. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Only if I’m not wearing white trousers. Pro tip: don’t wear white trousers. Trust me.
There were stalls selling everything from bubble tea to crispy duck wraps. I even saw a sign for “dragon breath ice cream”—still not sure what that is, but the kid eating it had a blue tongue, so I’m intrigued.
Lunar New Year 2026 in the United Kingdom
