25 Pictures Of London's New Year's Day Parade

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 62 months ago
25 Pictures Of London's New Year's Day Parade

Were you feeling a little tender yesterday?

Then you may have missed out on London's annual New Year's Day Parade.

A reported 650,000+ spectators lined the route from Green Park to Westminster on New Year's Day 2019.

They were there to watch 8,000 participants roll by, representing 26 nations between them.

The theme? London Welcomes the World — something of a continuation on the brazenly pro-Europe fireworks display that unfolded 12 hours previous.

The parade was broadcast on 900 TV stations worldwide.

The USA is a particular fan — its broadcasters even influenced the 'flipping' of the route in 2009, in order to please audiences across the pond.

More than 20 marching bands and 1,500 cheerleaders from the US joined in.

Dancers from across Latin America including Bolivia, Columbia and Equador and Chile were cheered by spectators too.

Malaysian illusionist Andrew Lee, who you may recognise from Britain’s Got Talent, put on an al fresco performance involving two women, and a lethal-looking blade-coffin.

Others taking to the streets included Heroes for Charity, Moto Stunts International, Pandemonium Drummers, and representatives of 15 of the 32 London Boroughs.

Huge inflatables — reminiscent of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in NYC — have also become a staple of London's parade.

This was London's 33rd parade. Planning for the 34th has already begun.

Last Updated 02 January 2019