Crowds flock to usher in the Year of the Tiger

Hundreds of people turned out at the weekend to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Large crowds gathered in Maidstone on Saturday to usher in the Year of the Tiger.

The event was organised by Cohesion Plus, working in partnership with Maidstone Cultural Group, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Maidstone Borough Council.

It was the first in the town since the onset of the pandemic.

The celebrations began with the dotting of the eyes ceremony, which involved waking the Chinese lions and was conducted by Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Fay Gooch, the leader of the council Cllr David Burton, Cllr Martin Round as well as Gurvinder Sandher, the artistic director of Cohesion Plus, and Michael Lam, a member of the Maidstone Cultural Group and local business owner.

After that, there was a procession along Jubilee Square and Week Street, where the lions delighted the large crowds and saw performances from the London Chinese Opera Studio.

Gurvinder Sandher said: “We are so thankful to the residents of Maidstone who turned out in their multitudes and braved the cold temperatures to celebrate Chinese New Year with us.

“We believe the event was a wonderful showcase of how arts and culture can bring the diverse communities of the area together.

“The Year of the Tiger is a significant one as it symbolises strength and the overcoming of darkness which is apt given the past couple of years. We hope to bring the celebrations to Maidstone again next year.”

Cllr Round added: “The event put smiles on plenty of people’s faces and I could see the excitement and pleasure especially in the many children present.”

All ages were captivated by the colourful procession to mark the dawning of the Chinese New Year

All pictures: Cohesion Plus Crowds were entertained with traditional Chinese songs and performances

It was organised by Cohesion Plus, Maidstone Cultural Group, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Maidstone council

The traditional Chinese lions were one of the many star attractions

Stunning dress and make-up was on display for the special event

Few could resist capturing a picture as the procession took place at the weekend

Keeping the beat - the celebrations were the first since the pandemic

Cohesion Plus’ Gurvinder Sandher and council leader David Burton meet a lion