Riding high: Thirty-seven groups from 11 countries and regions will participate in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, including French stilt-walkers.

The International Chinese New Year Night Parade will usher in the Year of the Rat at 8pm February 7 at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

Thirty-seven groups from 11 countries and regions will participate, including 12 international and local floats, and 12 overseas and 13 local performing groups. Eleven are making their first appearance in Hong Kong.

Another highlight will be the traditional piu sik parade, performed for the first time at the event. Children will be standing on floats and there will be stilt-walking stunts by French performing group Futurist Ostriches.

The parade will follow a new route and make its way along Salisbury Road to Mody Lane, ending at New World Centre. It will be webcast on www.DiscoverHongKong.com and televised live on TVB Jade from 8pm.

The floats will remain on display at New World Centre until February 10. The performing groups will also stage encore shows in the centre during the period. Admission is free.