London welcomes Year of the Rabbit at Lunar New Year

Getty Images Chinese New Year celebrationsGetty Images
The Year of the Rabbit gets off to a spectacular start in London

Thousands of people have lined the streets of London to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit at the capital's annual Lunar New Year celebrations.

Dancers and dragons joined a parade around Chinatown before performers took to the stage in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.

Martial arts displays, music shows and cultural activities were also held in streets across the West End.

The event is the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.

PA Media People stand by a large rabbit farm as they watch a parade during celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year in LondonPA Media
People stand by a large rabbit farm as they watch a parade during celebrations on the first day of the Lunar New Year in London
PA Media Lunar New Year celebrationsPA Media
Crowds lined the streets in the West End
Getty Images Lunar New Year celebrationsGetty Images
The Lunar New Year's parade began in Charing Cross Road and featured colourful floats, with more than 50 teams taking part in the event
Getty Images Lunar New Year celebrationsGetty Images
People in London gathered to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food
Getty Images Lunar New Year celebrationsGetty Images
Hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End
PA Media Lunar New Year celebrationsPA Media
People wore traditional Chinese costumes to celebrate the event
Getty Images Lunar New Year celebrationsGetty Images
Lunar New Year always falls between late January and mid-February