Kick-start the new year on a high note with the London New Year’s Day Parade & Festival, a beloved tradition that turns the city into a stage for an epic street celebration on January 1. Usually in the shadows (or should we say: the hungover slump) from the fireworks the night before, this lesser-known event is perfect if you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s without partying too hard.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this unmissable parade and festival to the fullest:
The London New Year’s Day Parade & Festival
Since its inception in 1987, the London New Year’s Day Parade has grown into a massive celebration that stretches throughout central, attracting over half a million spectators every year. Originally small in size, nowadays, you can expect a plethora of performers (over 10,000 to be exact) from all over the world. Think dazzling floats, lively dancers, marching bands, giant balloons, plus so much more.
This year’s parade will continue the event’s epic legacy of showcasing London’s diversity, as well as its charitable efforts, having raised or donated more than £2M for London Charities, through the London Borough Competition.
The London Borough Competition involves all of the city’s boroughs being invited to partake in the parade, spotlighting some form of entertainment or display to celebrate the city’s diversity, as well as an ever-changing theme.
This year, Barnet, Brent, Camden, Croydon, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hounslow, Lambeth, Lewisham, Redbridge, Sutton, Greenwich, and the City of Westminster will be competing in the competition, with a £15k first prize pot for their respective mayoral charities.
There will even be a few stars in attendance, including Peter Andre, who is all set to receive the ultimate New Year ‘honour’, by headlining the world-famous parade.
You can of course watch the parade for free, but there will be grandstands along the route (for a charge) if you’re looking to treat yourself to a more relaxing experience, however, these tickets usually sell out quite fast. For the full parade route, click here.
As for the festival, several performances, concerts, and events will be taking over venues across London throughout the week. For more information and tickets (for the events and grandstand seats), click here to visit their official website.
📅 January 1, 2025
⏰ The parade starts at 12:00 PM and typically lasts around three hours
📍Begins at Piccadilly (near Green Park Station), passing through Regent Street St. James’s, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall, concluding near Westminster.