In pictures: Chinese New Year in London

1 of 11 Around 40,000 people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to celebrate Chinese New Year on Sunday.

2 of 11 In his speech Mayor Ken Livingstone announced plans to create a second Chinatown in the capital.

3 of 11 It is estimated there are 300,000 ethnic Chinese people in Britain, from mainland Chinese students to the British-born descendants of immigrants from Hong Kong.

4 of 11 Festivities began with a tree planting ceremony in Chinatown, before a colourful parade brought the West End alive.

5 of 11 The colourful spectacle included lion and dragon dancing, martial arts, opera, acrobatics and arts and crafts.

6 of 11 Mr Livingstone was given the honour of dotting the eyes of the dragon - symbolising the waking of the mystical beast to mark the new Year of the Monkey.

7 of 11 The Mayor said he wanted the new Chinatown to be at the centre of tourism in London.

8 of 11 Mr Livingstone said he was glad Trafalgar square had been able to host the event for the first time.

9 of 11 In his speech Mr Chu-Ting Tang, president of London Chinatown Chinese Association, blamed congestion charges for falling business.

10 of 11 Chinese New Year is determined by a lunar calendar, meaning its date varies each year.

11 of 11 A fireworks finale was held after dark - an essential part of Chinese New Year, fireworks are used to scare away evil spirits.