Three lions roared through Basildon's Eastgate shopping centre to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Warding off evil spirits - the lion brings good fortune. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 7CKPA2
The lions - believed to bring good luck - played around with fire and danced to the beat of traditional Chinese music as keen shoppers filled the centre.
The event was laid on by the United Eastern Combat group, which meets at the Riverview 90 hall, in Clay Hill Road, Vange.
As well as the lion dance, there was a martial arts demonstration and symbols and a gong were used to create the themed music.
Mark Henry, from the group, said: "We did one last year which was very successful. About 80 per cent of the shops participate and the shoppers love it."
Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002
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