(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-15 23:33

London -- Britain launched its largest ever festival of Chinese culture -- China Now -- Tuesday, unveiling a program of more than 800 events across the country.

"China Now will showcase the very best of modern Chinese society and culture," Simon Heale, chief executive of China Now, said at a press conference.

The festival will connect Britain and China at a variety of levels, helping to develop new friendship and forge strong relations between the two countries, he said.

"With over 800 events nationwide, this celebration will advance the public's education and understanding of China and capture the attention of everyone in the UK," Heale added.

China Now, conceived by the British business community, is a "unique" festival devoted to China, China Now's Chairman Stephen Green said.

"China is not only a big country with its rapid economic development known to the world, but also is a country with rich culture," Green said.

"We expect to build awareness and forge relationships between artists, cultural leaders, schools, businesses and communities across the UK and China through the festival," he said.

Starting with the Chinese New Year celebrations, the nationwide festival will last six months, leading up to the opening of the Beijing Olympics in August.

The festival's program features a wide range of cultural projects and performances encompassing art, design, cuisine, culture, science, business, technology, education and sports.

The events will be staged across Britain in cities including Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Bath and London.