Festival links Moscow and London

The event features Russian performers

Moscow's Mayor is visiting a festival marking the Russian Old New Year to boost London's links with the country.

Yuri Luzkhov will join London's Mayor Ken Livingstone at the Russian Winter Festival in Trafalgar Square.

The Old New Year falls in mid-January and was based on the Julian calendar used by the Russians until 1917.

The Russian Economic Forum has organised the event with Mr Livingstone and it will feature food, music, dancing, literature and craft stalls.

Mr Livingstone and Mr Luzkhov are due to speak at the event at 1600 GMT.

A huge ice-sculpture of Russia's St Basil's Cathedral which took seven days to create will also feature.

The free festival runs from 1100 GMT until 1830 GMT.