Romford BID Chinese New Year event gets visitor rise on 2024

The town welcomed the Year of the Wood Snake on Saturday, January 25.

The event was packed with free activities and entertainment for all ages.

Entertainers and performers were part of the event (Image: SANDRA ROWSE) Activities in Market Place (Image: SANDRA ROWSE) Visitors enjoyed traditional Chinese lion performances and appearances from giant pandas.

Organisers said there was a 15pc increase in visitors (Image: SANDRA ROWSE) Activities such as calligraphy were on offer (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Other highlights included roaming God of Wealth entertainers, magical performers, live music and drumming performances.

Budding creatives enjoyed interactive cultural activities such as calligraphy and origami workshops, and children had their faces painted by local artists.

Wokabout handed out just less than 3,000 free spring rolls in the marketplace, and Pearl of the Orient gave out free fortune cookies inside Romford Shopping Hall.

Lucky red envelopes were also distributed by Kiddiewinks.

Julie Frost, director of Romford Business Improvement District, said: “This year’s Chinese New Year celebration was a tremendous success, and we’re overjoyed by the positive response from our community.

“The giant pandas were an absolute hit and added a magical touch to the day.

“Thanks to everyone who joined us in the sunshine – we couldn’t have asked for a better day to mark the occasion.”