The parade was supposed to start in Albert Square, outside the town hall. When he got there, Mr Monkey found that lots of people (who weren't monkeys) had had the same idea, and were standing in his way. So he went round the corner and waited on Princess Street, before the crowds arrived.
There's a page about the Year of the Monkey at the Chinese Fortune Calendar website.
Copyright Rik Shepherd and Mr Monkey. This page last modified 18 February 2004