New Years Day Parade Route Flipped

The usual New Year's Day Parade route will be followed in reverse on 1 January 2010 so that folks across the pond get a better view of London's lovely landmarks through their tellyboxes. But it's OK really. Don't be fooled into thinking this is some time honoured tradition being dicked about for some potential tourists. The Parade first took to the New Year streets in 1987, well within living memory, and was a modest affair bringing "real American style razzmatazz" to a grey and hungover London. Fair enough, then, that the route should be turned about so those parade hungry Americans who can be bothered to get up in the early hours to tune in and watch it, get their fill of Londinium tromped through by 24 (count 'em) US marching bands and 1 Routemaster bus (among other Londony outfits). We suspect, as usual, we'll sleep in and miss it.