London's 24th New Years Day Parade, one of the largest and most diverse parades, took to the streets on a cold but clear sunny January 1st. This free annual event, saw more than 550,000 participants braving the ice-cold weather lining the streets with millions more watching at home, both here in the UK as well as around the world.
Starting from the the Ritz hotel the parade marched it's way along the 2.5 mile route, past Piccadilly, along whitehall ending at Parliament square, the reverse of previous years. With more than 8,500 performers, 21 London Boroughs and their mayors were present, with many of the mayors stepping off the final grand stands to walk the last few meters with their district participants.
As with previous years, there was strong support from our American 'cousins' with more than 24 marching bands, bands which frankly are in a league of their own compared to many of our efforts. While traditionally we have had marching bands, the Americans do it on a scale and in a style which frankly made a number of us want to be American for the day!
From an introduction by the mayor of Westminster, to the message from Queen Elizabeth II, the parade began with the Delaware State University marching band, setting the beat. Highlights included numerous cheer leading troupes, dancers, musicians, clowns, all in a family friendly environment.
The parade ended with a grand finale which was rather difficult for many in the crowds to picture. The bands towards the end of the route gathered opposite the final two grand stands to offer a medley of music, including Land of Hope and Glory, which a survey carried out in 2006 by the BBC showed that 55% of the English public would like it to be our national anthem.
As the event continues to grow in size, organisations are invited to participate next year with further details available from the website www.londonparade.co.uk
A short video clip with highlights of the event can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k_iwrAjNHk
