Lion dance parade to take place in Maidenhead and Windsor for Lunar New Year

A colourful parade will make its way down Maidenhead High Street this Saturday to mark the annual Lunar New Year.

The Year of the Fire Horse will be celebrated in Windsor and Maidenhead as the Maidenhead-based Eagle Claw Kung Fu School UK brings its popular lion dance performance to both towns.

Thirty-six students from the school will bring the event to life with dancing lions, the Chinese God of Wealth, large flags, seven banners, a Buddha, and two nine-foot twirling dragon ribbons. Youngsters will have small dragon ribbons and the event will also feature thunder drumming and a clash of cymbals.

The event in Maidenhead will kick off at 12.30pm at the top of Maidenhead High Street.

The parade will then move to Windsor, starting at 3pm outside Windsor Castle.

Julian Dale, owner of the Eagle Claw Kung Fu School, said: “I am delighted with how well loved this annual event is.

“Crowds of 4,000 plus turn up to enjoy the New Year lion dance parade each year and it it a firm fixture in the annual calendar for RBWM.

“We’d like to thank those who were able to provide some sponsor[ship] to ensure the event takes place – [including the] Louis Baylis Trust, Goyals, and Printique Maidenhead.”