See how the Chinese party as they usher in the New Year

There’s no ignoring the Chinese New Year if you happen to be around Piccadilly Gardens come January or February; an explosion of colour, sounds and yummy smells sweep along this labyrinth of narrow streets.

This is where the party is and St Anne’s Square is transformed into a bit of Beijing with a lantern-strewn market selling food from the city’s top restaurants. Yang Sing dumplings anyone? Here you also can wash it all down with a beer from the pop-up Tiger Bar or work it off with some retail therapy at the Chinese Craft Stall.

No prizes for guessing the festival’s crowning glory though: the Dragon Parade sees a 175-foot paper dragon, accompanied by a troupe of dancers and drummers. Now that’s how to usher in the New Year.