People turned out in large numbers for a Spring Festival event in London, England's Camden Market on Saturday as part of celebrations for the Year of the Snake.

The event showcased a variety of performances, including Chinese acrobatics, folk dancing, lion dances, and Sichuan Opera face-changing.

Hands-on workshops featuring such things as Chinese calligraphy and Mahjong also attracted people and offered many a chance to experience traditional Chinese crafts for the first time.

Li Liyan, minister counselor for cultural affairs at China's embassy in the UK, said this year's Spring Festival marks the first since its inclusion in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

He extended warm New Year greetings, wishing that the Year of the Snake – whose zodiac symbolizes wisdom and spirituality – brings happiness, health, and prosperity to all.

zhengwanyin@mail.chinadailyuk.com

Zhu Xueer contributed to this story.