London Living Blog's Guide to the 2024 New Year's Day Parade
The champagne corks have popped, the confetti has settled, but the party isn't over in our beloved city. On the 1st of January, Londoners and visitors alike can keep the festive spirit alive by joining the lively New Year's Day Parade.
Here's your comprehensive guide to this annual extravaganza.
What's the Lowdown on London's New Year's Day Parade?
Each year, on January 1st, as some folks nurse their first hangover of the year, London's streets come alive with the vibrant New Year's Day Parade. This cherished tradition began in 1987 and has been a highlight of London's New Year celebrations ever since. With a turnout of anywhere from half a million to a million spectators, it's a grand event that draws people from all corners of the globe.
When Does the Festivity Begin?
For those who prefer a bit of extra beauty sleep after the New Year's Eve revelry, you're in luck. The parade kicks off at a leisurely noon on New Year's Day, giving you ample time to recover or perhaps enjoy that post-midnight jog you've been promising yourself. The procession usually continues until around 3:30 pm.
Where's the Action Happening?
The parade route winds through the heart of central London, commencing at the illustrious Piccadilly, right outside The Ritz. From there, it heads east to Piccadilly Circus, weaving around Eros before flowing south along Regent Street St James's. Next, it takes a left turn down Pall Mall, a brisk march past Trafalgar Square, and a final stretch along Whitehall, concluding at Westminster. This lively parade lasts for approximately three hours, so consider bringing along some nibbles to keep you energized.
Fun Fact: The parade's route was reversed in 2009 after 22 years of running in the opposite direction. The change was made to provide better views of London's iconic landmarks for US TV broadcasters.
Who's in the Spotlight?
The London New Year's Day Parade is a melting pot of talent and culture. This year, expect to be dazzled by:
- The one and only Chesney Hawkes, gracing the stage with a live performance.
- Carnaval Del Pueblo, celebrating Latin American music, dance, and culture.
- London's vibrant Chinese Community, complete with dancing dragons, lions, and Chinese drummers.
- Moto-Stunts International, executing daring maneuvers that you definitely shouldn't try at home.
- Megaflatables: Five colossal inflatable balloons, some reaching heights of 20 feet, bobbing along the route. Last year, there was even one shaped like a phone box.
In addition, you'll witness representatives from various London boroughs, Aston Martin and Mini owners' clubs, and a plethora of American high school bands that fly in for the occasion each year, making this parade a diverse and captivating spectacle.
How Can You Get in on the Action?
The best way to revel in the parade is by grabbing a prime spot along the route. You can stake out the pavements or opt for a cozy seat in a cafe or restaurant with a view. Just be sure to check their opening hours, as it's a bank holiday, and keep in mind that crowds can get quite thick at certain points, potentially blocking your view.
For those who want to indulge, grandstand tickets are available, though most have already been snapped up. Keep your eyes peeled for any resales, and for the truly extravagant, VIP tickets for the grandstands on Whitehall are still up for grabs at £150 each.
Additional Parade Highlights
Before the parade, there are a couple of warm-up concerts where bands fine-tune their performances, a great option for those looking to escape the Christmas telly and get out of the house between Christmas and New Year.
If you're a devoted parade enthusiast, you can even treat yourself to some commemorative merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, cufflinks, and a huggable toy Alfie puppy.
So, why not make London's New Year's Day Parade a part of your annual tradition? It's a joyful and diverse celebration that ushers in the new year with a burst of energy and creativity, right in the heart of this vibrant city.
