You could be born, grow up, and die a peaceful death in London without ever hearing about this city's grand New Year's Day Parade, which boasts 10,000 performers and nearly half a million spectators. It's weirdly under-the-radar in this country, probably because everyone's too hungover to drag themselves out to go and see it. But in America, it's televised on PBS and so popular that the route's even been changed to take in as many pretty landmarks as possible. Now, there's a new later start time of 1pm to entice more Londoners to go out and celebrate the New Year with grand pageantry, music and dance.
This year's biggest name act is Sam Ryder, the UK's most successful Eurovision entrant in ages. The rest of the line-up is a truly eclectic mix of names with a kitschy feel: think Spice Girls tribute act Say You'll Be Spice, giant dinosaur puppets from Creature Events, viral hip hoppers Bad Moms That Dance, and American marching bands and clogging groups.
The route will move from Piccadilly, through Regent Street and St James’s, along Pall Mall and through Whitehall, ending at Westminster. Along the way, there’ll be Pearly Kings and Queens, street dancers, brass bands, samba bands and much more making the first day of the new year an absolute blast. Updates on the logistics and performers will be posted on the LNYDP’s website and social media.
RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to New Year in London.