Thousands of spectators watched on as colourful lions danced through the town centres of Maidenhead and Windsor on Saturday as part of the annual Lunar New Year parade.
The Year of the Fire Horse was marked by the Maidenhead-based Eagle Claw Kung Fu School UK which brought its popular lion dance to both towns.
Lunar New Year celebrations have been taking place in the borough for more than 20 years.
The sound of firecrackers kicked off the parade at 12.30pm from the Boy and the Boat statue in Maidenhead High Street.
The colourful parade was brought to life by the school’s students as dancing lions interacted with the crowd.
Large flags, alongside the Chinese God of Wealth, a Buddha and two nine-foot twirling dragons also featured in the parade.
Youngsters were twirling their small dragon ribbons and guests heard thunder drumming and the clash of cymbals.
The parade turned around outside the Card Factory store and made its way back to the Boy and the Boat statue where the dancing lions put on a performance to conclude the display.
From 3pm, the attention turned to Windsor as crowds gathered to see the parade kick off from outside Windsor Castle and make its way down Peascod Street.
Julian Dale, owner of the Eagle Claw Kung Fu School UK, said: “Our team pulled out all the stops as we always do every year.
“The weather was kind to us, thankfully, it didn’t rain in Maidenhead or Windsor.
“Maidenhead was well attended, but I think Windsor was just absolutely overwhelmed with people.
“We must have had four-and-a-half thousand, maybe more.
“It was packed from the castle all the way down Peascod Street.”
Julian also praised the Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge who were on hand to marshal the Maidenhead event.
“The reports have been fantastic,” Julian added
“Everyone who attended loved it, as they always do.
“The events are really well received and very appreciated for its cultural diversity and inclusion.”
This year’s event was sponsored by the Louis Baylis Trust, Goyals and Printique in Maidenhead.
The celebrations will be back in 2027 to mark the Year of the Goat.
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