Tate sues over dragon

The Tate Gallery is suing a US fireworks company after Chinese new year celebrations ended with the fire brigade being called out.

In a writ lodged at the High Court, Tate Gallery trustees are demanding up to £100,000 from Fireworks by Grucci, the New York-based firm used for the Beijing Olympics.

It cites breach of contract and negligence for damage to property. The company was hired for a light show called Mr Ye Who Loves Dragons, to open Tate Modern's 2003 season.

In a "one-minute piece of fireworks art", a "dragon of fire" was to dart along the Embankment, across the Millennium Bridge and up Tate Modern's frontage.

Sources say there was a small fire and safety concerns for the crowd.