1 CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Rat, with a parade, fireworks and Chinese arts. Various venues, Central London (www.london.gov.uk/mayor/chinese_ny ), Sun
2 CHINESE NEW YEAR AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Events including excerpts from Damon Albarn’s opera Monkey, Chinese games, food and speakers including Jung Chang and Antony Gormley. British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1 (www.britishmuseum.org 020-7323 8000), Sat
3 IMAGINE
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Writers, performers and children’s authors attend the annual Children’s Literature Festival. With appearances from Michael Rosen, John Hegley, Philip Ardagh and Eoin Colfer. Southbank Centre, SE1 (www.southbankcentre.co.uk 0871 6632500) from Thur, until Feb 22, £7 (adults), £4.50 (children)
4 SWITCHED ON LONDON
Light installations illuminating some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Pool of London and Bankside (www.switchedonlondon.com ), until Thur
5 THE ZEE CARNIVAL
Return of the Asian lifestyle event, with Bollywood stars, music, fashion, shopping, food and more. Grand Hall, Olympia, Hammersmith Road (www.zeecarnival.co.uk 0870 8110968), from Fri, until Feb 17