Chinese New Year comes to Maidenhead

Powers of the dragon were welcomed into Maidenhead with vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations.

Rolling drums set the pace as the traditional lion and dragon dance bobbed along the High Street on Saturday.

Crowds of families followed the procession to mark the year of the dragon and were joined by Royal Borough mayor Cllr Asghar Majeed and Home Secretary Theresa May.

Mrs May, the nation's most powerful woman who was born in the year of the monkey, appeared to enjoy the colourful party - though at one stage she struggled to shoo away a strip of red ribbon from blowing into her face.

The World Eagle Claw Kung Fu School was once again responsible for the druming and dancing.

Chinese and Oriental Community Association (COCA) again teamed up with Maidenhead Town Partnership and the Nicholson's Shopping Centre to organise the event.

Earlier children had enjoyed making lanterns and learning caligraphy in the shopping centre before joining in the parade and enjoying fortune cookies.

SOCA chairman Anita Li said the dragon represented a varied year ahead.

"It means there will be prosperity and challengs," she said.

See our slideshow with pictures below.