Big crowds for Chinese New Year

With the benefit of World Fringe Festival expanding to Russell Square this year, Chung Wah Association president Sammy Yap said he expected up to 100,000 people to join in the festivities.

Last year’s event in James Street and the Northbridge Piazza drew 50,000 people and 82 stallholders.

This year, more than 129 stalls will feature at the annual fair, which has also expanded to Chinatown for the first time.

‘Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China,’ Mr Yap said. ‘By having the celebration out on the streets, we are able to open it up to everyone to join in.

‘It is very important to the Chung Wah Association that the fair promotes multiculturalism, with our main concert featuring performances from a range of groups.

‘This leads to understanding and tolerance.’