New Year’s Day Parade London

New Year’s Day Parade London

15 December, 2009

Join thousands of Londoners to ring in the New Year with the annual London New Year's Parade!

Whilst many of us end up spending the first daylight hours of a new year, or in this case decade, either passed out or wallowing in misery, a string of broken resolutions littered in our wake from the bar to our bed, there are some more pro-active souls who prefer to welcome the passing of the annum with a massive street party. This year will be no exception; on January 1st 2010, almost 9,000 performers will congregate on the London streets, with hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route.

If you can pull yourself out of the safety of your bed and down to Piccadilly for noon, you can be witness to the spectacular sight of the 24th annual parade, as it weaves its way through the centre of the capital, casting its spell on all and sundry, ending outside the Houses of Parliament. This year, the parade promises to include vintage cars, marching bands, scantily-clad cheerleaders (and if they can brave the English winter in clothes that would make Jordan blush, you’ve got no excuse) and, ahem, Morris dancers.

The Lord Mayor of London will be on hand to kick off the festivities, hoping to use the occasion to showcase the city as the parade passes many of its most famous landmarks, including Nelson’s Column, Downing St and The Ritz. Such is the renown of the event, it has even drawn entrants from the USA and Japan, who will no doubt contribute to the carnival atmosphere of the parade. If you can’t wait until the New Year for your fill of entertainment, there will be a series of concerts in the days leading up to it, details of which can be found on the official website.

Check out things to do with kids on New Year’s
Check out things to do in London on New Year’s

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