London to host Russian festival

London's mayor Boris Johnson has announced plans for the city to a host a new Russian festival.

The city's first Maslenitsa festival - which traditionally marks the Russian spring - will be held next Sunday at Pottersfield Park in London Bridge.

The free event will include live Russian folk music, dancing, a tug-of-war and performances by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral choir.

The festival will be open from 1300 GMT to 1800 GMT.

"This will be a celebration of everything great about Russia, from the quintessentially Russian 'blini' to classical Russian opera, jazz and traditional folk dance," said Mr Johnson.

"Russian Londoners are a thriving community who have made a significant contribution to the capital both economically and culturally. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy this fantastic festival offering. "

In recent years, Trafalgar Square has played host to a Russian Winter Festival, marking growing links between the countries.