On Saturday, London's Trafalgar Square was transformed into a winter wonderland as part of the third Russian Winter Festival. Londoners enjoyed a taste of Russia in the heart of their city.

The third Russian extravaganza kicked off with lots of music and crowds flocked into Trafalgar square. The festival falls on the so called Old New Year's day – the date when the New Year was celebrated in Russia before the Revolution of 1917.

One could find all the things that people traditionally associate with Russia. Colourful souvenirs, traditional costumes and music from all over Russia have turned the square into one big fair.

And the festival is indeed the place to find out more about Russia. Old New Year is usually celebrated with small gifts, drink and food. Russian 'blinis' or pancakes are a crucial part of the celebration. And of course there is no new year without Father Frost, or Ded Moros.

To keep everyone happy the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, announced that from now on the festival will be an annual event.

“We now have almost a quarter of million Russians in London,” he said in an interview. “They live here, they work here; many Russian firms have come to the London Stock exchange. So Russia is embedded in the heart of London.”

“And we'll celebrate it each year. I just hope that in 50 years my successor will still be here saying 'happy new year' to the Russian community in London,” Mr Livingstone said.