HUNDREDS gathered to a Boscombe shopping centre in high spirits to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The celebrations started with a dragon dance performed by the CAS Dragon Team.
A group of colourful performers swooped around the front of the shopping centre, waving flags and marching to the beat of a Chinese drum whilst portraying the famous Chinese dragon.
The performers then travelled through the centre blessing the shops as they passed.
The audience was also treated to performances such as aerial skills performed by children, Chinese folk dance, Taichi and Tibetan dance to name a few.
Shoppers onlooked in glee at the impressive performances.
Deputy mayor of Bournemouth, councillor George Farquhar also attended the celebrations and was greeted with a bouquet of flowers for his attendance.
The performances marked the year of the dragon for Chinese New Year, one of the most celebrated holidays in Asia.
According to Chinese history, the Year of the Dragon brings evolution, improvement, and abundance.
This year is also considered one of the luckiest years in the Chinese zodiac.
The event was organised by Bournemouth Coastal BID collaborating with the Bournemouth and Southampton Chinese societies.
The event was held on February 17 at the Sovereign Shopping Centre.
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