Since 1987, London's seen in every new year with a jolly good knees-up in the streets, in the form of the New Year's Day Parade — until 2021, that is. For obvious reasons, the parade didn't go ahead in January 2021. It's back to see in 2022, though albeit with some major changes, the main one being that you won't see it without a ticket this year. More details below.
When and where is the London New Year's Day Parade 2022?
The parade takes place in central London on Saturday 1 January 2022 from 1pm. This year, the location is Waterloo Place, rather than the usual lengthy route between Piccadilly and Whitehall. Exact details will only be revealed to ticket holders, presumably to prevent large crowds from gathering.
Do I need a ticket for the London New Year's Day Parade?
Yes, for the first time ever, the organisers of the NYD Parade are saying that only those with a ticket will be able to see the festivities, and it won't be available for spectators without tickets.
Tickets are £35 and available now — though they're expected to sell out every soon. Your ticket gives you access to one of three grandstand seating areas in front of the performance area.
In the past, between half a million to a million people (depending which source you believe) have lined London's streets to watch it each year, so it's understandable that organisers have gone down the ticketing route to avoid large crowds this time round.
It's not the only event that's being done differently this year — Winter Wonderland is ticketed this Christmas, and London's main New Year's Eve celebrations take place in Trafalgar Square this year.
How to watch the London New Year's Day Parade 2022 without a ticket
If tickets have sold out, or you don't fancy splashing out £35 per person to watch in person, there is an alternative. A live stream of this year's event will be available online, which sounds like an excellent idea to us. No standing around in the rain, jostling with crowds, queuing for toilets, travelling with a hangover... a much calmer start to the new year. Keep an eye on the website for details of that live stream.
Who's in the London New Year's Day Parade 2022?
The participants for this year's parade are being revealed on the website week by week, and so far it's looking to be quite a riot, with the following acts confirmed:
- Samba reggae band Bloco Fogo
- City of London Brass Band
- Panash Steel Orchestra UK
- Stormtrooper dance troupe Boogie Storm, who you may recognise from Britain's Got Talent
- Dancing lions, dragons and drummers from the London Chinatown Chinese Association
- Dinosaurs and monsters courtesy of costume specialists Creature Events
- Various American high school and college marching bands
London New Year's Day Parade 2022 takes place on 1 January 2022. See website for more information and to book tickets.
