PICTURES: Crowd wowed by Chinese New Year celebration in Elgin
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THE year of the dragon began with a bang in Elgin today.
Crowds gathered at the Plainstones to watch performers who travelled from Glasgow for this year's Chinese New Year celebration.
Hosted by the Scottish Highlands and Moray Chinese Association (SHIMCA), dozens of school pupils were taken up by teachers to enjoy the festivities.
The all-important song and dance came courtesy of the Glasgow Hong Lok Dragon and Lion Dancing troupe.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of SHIMCA's celebration, which has been coming to Elgin for more than 15 years.
SHIMCA chairperson Monica Lee–Macpherson MBE said the event was a huge success and was thrilled by the turnout.
Elgin BID invited all primary schools in Elgin to the event.
“Elgin BID are the best, they did a great job for us," Ms Lee-Macpherson said.
“They really do work so hard."
She added that the current performers were now part of their own family traditions.
Ms Lee–Macpherson added: “We have been coming here since, I think, 2006.
“And it is the second generation – their parents started and they are all grown up now.
“Now it is their kids."
Earlier in the day, the troupe also brought Forres into the Lunar New Year, with a celebration in the car park of Macleans Highland Bakery at the Greshop Industrial Estate.
During their Plainstones appearance, the young dancers and drummers were made to feel welcome with loud cheers and applause.
