The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the entire eco-system of city centers and Chinatowns are often part of that. "In Chinese culture, this is about uniting with family – but because of COVID-19 we haven't had the chance to do that," explained one attendee.Ĭould the chance to celebrate in-person again after so long boost numbers? Organizers and surrounding businesses were hoping so. "We keep calling our friends to tell them!"įrom an hour ahead of showtime, the seats gradually filled up. "We've been trying to encourage people," said one helper as she descended a ladder on the stage amid final preparations. local time start for an afternoon of music and speeches, the question remained on many minds: Would people come? As the community mucked in to raise banners and hang Chinese lanterns ahead of the 1 p.m. And though most coronavirus restrictions have now been removed across the UK, there is still some lingering nervousness. That was the hope, but it wasn't guaranteed. Jamie hoped this year might match the event as he remembered it, from performing before coronavirus spread around the globe. The 2020 festivities were canceled due to the pandemic. Members of the Chinese community across the generations rushed around excitedly ahead of the first such event here since 2019. And on Sunday the area marked one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar – the mid-autumn festival, otherwise called the Moon Festival. But early in the day, they were already present in Soho's Newport Place to lend a hand. There were still several hours to go until Jamie and his fellow Lion Dancers were due on stage.
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