London February events with a Chinese twist.
A roundup of all the best Chinese-related events in London during February. This month welcomes in the start of the Year of the Snake, so there are plenty of festive celebrations to enjoy.
Camden Chinese New Year Festival
Outside Chinatown, 2025 will be the first year with a major celebration at Camden. It is organised by the team behind the Yunnan Cultural Festival in late 2024. Held on Saturday, February 1st from 1pm – 5pm the event will feature a festive market, cultural performances, DIY workshops, and more. Camden will be decked out in in lanterns, spring festival couplets, and over decorations for the event.
When: 1pm – 5pm Saturday 1st February
Where: Camden Market
Website:
Chinese New Year Parade
The main event of the Chinese New Year in London, 2025 will of course have a Chinese New Year Parade. Organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association, the parade is expected to last about 1 hour and 45 minutes starting at 10am. It will set off from the eastern edge of Trafalgar Square before heading north to Chinatown.
Celebrations will continue throughout the day around Chinatown. In Chinatown, there will be lion dances and lots of Chinese food. A community stage and exhibition space will be at the corner of Dean Street and Shaftsbury Avenue. In Leicester Square, there will be cultural workshops and family activities.
When: 10:00am Sunday 2nd February
Where: London Chinatown
Website: http://www.lccauk.com/#services
Trafalgar Square Chinese New Year Celebrations
Held alongside the Chinese New Year Parade and also organised by the LCCA, Trafalgar Square will host Chinese New Year celebrations throughout the day. It features the main stage for the Chinese New Year Celebrations. At 12 midday following the end of the Chinese New Year Parade, the Trafalgar Square celebrations will begin with opening speeches. There will be performances throughout the day including Dragon and Flying Lions Dances.
In Trafalgar Square there will also be cultural performances, Art and Craft Stalls, Festive Stands, and Hot Food. The event is expected to end around 6pm.
When: 12:00pm Sunday 2nd February
Where: London Chinatown
Website: http://www.lccauk.com/#services
Greenwich Peninsula Lunar Festival
This Lunar New Year, Greenwich Peninsula will be holding a vibrant celebration of East and Southeast Asian culture and traditions. It will host a packed programme of workshops, performances, food and drink.
There will be traditional Dragon and Lion Dance performances across the Peninsula. Discover the art that lies at the heart of Chinese culture with the Splendours of Henan Exhibition at FirePit Art Gallery and a paper lantern installation. Celebrate all facets of East and Southeast Asian culture at the Eternal Market by Eastern Margins with a host of independent traders. For more creative individuals, there will be block printing, bamboo weaving and Chinese knots workshops. There will also be a chance to have a go at a game of Mahjong.
When: 12:00pm – 4pm Saturday 1st February
Where: Greenwich Peninsula
Website: https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/lunar-new-year
Chinese New Year Concert
Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Mansion House with a unique concert featuring talented pupils from the renowned Yehudi Menuhin Schools in both the UK (Cobham) and China (Qingdao). Introduced by Tasmin Little CBE and Lu Siqing, this enchanting evening will feature a selection of collaborative classical pieces beautifully performed by future stars of the classical world, from Brahms’ enlivening Hungarian Dances to Mendelssohn’s magnificent Octet.
When: 6pm – 9pm Saturday 8th February
Where: Mansion House
Website: https://www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/news-and-events/events-calendar/1427/chinese-new-year-concert/
In Conversation with Quan Zhou Wu
Graphic novelist Quan Zhou Wu is interviewed by Paul Gravett at this event on hybrid identity. Quan Zhou will discuss her graphic novels before a Q&A opportunity for the audience.
Quan Zhou Wu is an author, illustrator, graphic novelist and UX designer. She studied in Madrid and graduated in the UK. Her comic strips have been published in the digital version of El País and she has worked on the programme Hoy empieza todo on Spain’s Radio 3.
When: 6:30pm – 8pm Thursday 13th February
Where: Instituto Cervantes London
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-quan-zhou-wu-tickets-1117803663849?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Chinese Yunnan Film Festival
Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and captivating stories of Yunnan through an array of Chinese films. Movies being screened include China: Beyond the Clouds, Ao Yang Bai, Tisese: A Documentary on Three Mosuo Women and more.
Following the screenings there will be a dinner party and networking event at 5:30pm at Peacock London.
When: 1:30pm – 5pm Saturday 15th February
Where: B5 Lecture Theatre, Franklin Wilkins Building
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2025-the-thames-bank-chinese-yunnan-film-festival-2025-tickets-1205110862029?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
The return of Trump: what does it mean for relations with China?
Join the Policy Institute, in partnership with the Lau China Institute, for the third event in their series looking at the implications of another Trump term.
This panel talk will focus on what Trumps return to the White House will mean for China. The talk will be panelled by Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies & Director, Lau China Institute at King’s College London.
When: 19 February 2025 18:30 to 19:45
Where: Bush House, Strand Campus, London
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-return-of-trump-what-does-it-mean-for-relations-with-china
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