London, United Kingdom - January 28, 2025 Storyline: Britain's iconic London Eye shone in radiant gold and red on Tuesday evening, the eve of the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year while Australia's famous Sydney Opera House put up a grand gala to welcome the arrival of the Year of the Snake. The 2025 Spring Festival fell on Wednesday, marking the first day of the Year of the Snake, the 6th in the cycle of 12 zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar. The dazzling display lit up London's skyline, drawing a large crowd of locals and tourists to the South Bank of the River Thames, under a signature London drizzle. The annual lighting-up ceremony, jointly organized by the London Chinatown Chinese Association and the London Eye, has become a highlight of the city's Chinese New Year celebrations, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a traditional dragon and lion dance performance graced the iconic Ferris wheel, captivating audiences with its energy and vibrancy. At the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, a spectacular Chinese New Year's Eve Gala gathered nearly 100 performers and artists from China and Australia to present a vibrant showcase of singing, dancing, orchestral music, and opera to usher in the Year of the Snake. With enthralling cross-cultural collaborations, the night celebrates unity, artistry, and the universal joy of the Chinese New Year. A promotional video for the Spring Festival Gala, an hours-long television variety show produced by China Media Group and broadcast live Tuesday evening, was screened at the Sydney Opera House for the first time, adding to the evening's allure. Shotlist: London, UK - Jan 28, 2025: 1. Various of illuminated London Eye; 2. Various of lion dance, dragon dance, spectators; 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Resident (name not given): "I know that this is the Year of the Snake. I know that is based on zodiac symbols. I am a Dog. I know that the red and the gold are very important, which is why the London Eye is lit up." Sydney, Australia - Jan 28, 2025: 4. Various of performances on Chinese New Year's Eve; 5. Audience members watching promotional video for Spring Festival. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]