Crowds of people flocked to Tsim Sha Tsui on Saturday evening to watch the Lunar New Year night parade, which made its return after a five-year hiatus. Some 29 overseas and local performance groups took part with a mass dance extravaganza, cheerleading, and music.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, John Lee, welcomed the crowd.

"We're all here to welcome the Year of the "Loong". In Chinese culture, the "loong" - people usually call it the dragon - symbolises nobility, good fortune and vitality. It's going to be a year of auspicious opportunities, and dragon-sized blessings for us all!," he said.

Groups from Japan, Korea, Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, and the Philippines helped heat up the New Year atmosphere on a chilly first night of the holiday period.

The performers included the famous girl group Avantgardey from Osaka and the cheerleading squad from the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.

The nine floats started out at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, and finished at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers around two-and-a-half hours later.