Hundreds gather for Chinese new year spectacle in Perth
ByKirsty McIntosh
The main event: the brightly coloured dragon is the focus of everyones attention.
Perth’s Chinese community marked their new year with a parade through the city centre.
The evening began with a firecracker display at the viewing platform on Tay Street, which lit up the sky from 5pm on Monday.
Police halted traffic while green, white and red sparks sprayed 15ft into the air. Afterwards a spectacular procession of around 20 performers made its way through the streets, finishing at the Salutation Hotel.
Hundreds of spectators gathered in the streets to view the spectacle, which wound its way from Tay Street, finishing on South Street.
As 2014 marks the Year of the Horse, two mounts from Police Scotland led the procession, which was organised by the Perthshire Chinese Community Association.
The horses were brought up from Police Scotland’s mounted unit in Ayrshire.
Kilsyth and Stewarton, and riders Vicki McEwan and Scott Jarvie, made their way through the Fair City ahead of a Chinese lion dance troop and an acrobat performing gymnastic poses and tumbles.
Also included in the parade were a unicyclist and a stilt walker, as well as musicians performing a drum and cymbal beat.
