The LNYDP or the London’s New Year Day Parade is the annual parade that takes place on the streets of West London on 1st January. The first parade, Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Big Parade took place in the year 1987. However, over the years, the parade got a new name in 1994.
In the year 2000 alone, they were calling it the Millennium Parade to mark the turn of the new millennium. Since its inception, there has not been a single year when the parade did not take place or the tourists did not rush to witness this spectacle. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed things.
On January 1, 2021, the parade took place virtually. The London New Year’s Day Parade is the biggest street event on New year’s Day. More than a million people attend the parade and there is a ticket-only arrangement at different points along the route. Below is everything you wanted to know about London’s New Year’s Eve Parade.
Parade Route
The complete parade route is 3.2 km long. Until 2010, the parade began at Westminster’s Parliament Square and ended at Green Park, touching Parliament Street, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Cockspur Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly.
However, in 2010, the route changed to give the audience from the United States majestic views of the landmarks in London. The new route starts from the Ritz Hotel and ends at Parliament Square. Thus it covers the Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall.
When is the London New Year’s Day Parade?
No prizes for guessing the date. But if you have partied hard on December 31st, and wish to start the next day late, you are in luck. You can still be part of the parade as it starts at 1 pm on January 1. So, you have enough time in your hand to recover from all that you have done the last night. However, if you are someone who prefers having an early start for your day, you can run your errands, have a hearty meal, and be there on time too. The parade goes on until 3:30 pm, so there is no way you could miss this visual spectacle!
Who Will Participate in the London New Year’s Day Parade?
There’s a huge list of participants in the annual parade. This year, you will see All the Queen’s Horses (group of riders), London’s Chinese Community, London School of Samba, Kneworld (street dancers), Carnaval Del Pueblo (color and rhythm from Latin America), and Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band (the tartan-clad pipe band), etc.
Who Participated in the 2021 London New Year’s Day Parade?
At the 2021 London New Year’s Day Parade, which was a virtual event, the participants’ turnout was huge too. It had the West Boca Raton High School Vanguard Marching Band, the Campo Verde High School Coyote Pride Marching Band, the Hempfield Area Marching Band, The Brunswick High School Marching Blue Devils, the Nogales High School Noble Regiment, the West Orange High School Band, the Lake Nona High School Sound of the Lions, the Parkview High School Marching Band, the Newport High School Marching Band, the Marshall University Marching Thunder, and the Blue Jay Pride Marching Band.
How Can You Catch the Action Live?
You can watch the 2022 London New Year’s Eve, from anywhere along the route. If you do not want to stand in the crowded streets, you can watch it from a window seat of a cafe or a restaurant that is located on the route of the parade.
If you are opting for a cafe or a restaurant, make sure that you book your seat in advance. And don’t forget the operating hours on the parade day. Crowds do tend to get large at certain points and can block your view. You must keep that in mind as well. For a seat in any of the grandstands on the Whitehall, Regent Street, and Piccadilly route, you need to shell out £40 for one seat. For a Whitehall VIP seat, you need to pay £125. However, make sure to book your seat in advance.
There is Something More!
There are a few warm-up concerts held in the days leading to the parade. The bands get an opportunity to rehearse for their performances on the big day. If you wish to engage in some entertaining activities between Christmas and New Year, book your tickets for these concerts.
The London New Year’s Day Parade is an event people worldwide look forward to. If you are in London do not miss out on this spectacle. So, if you are planning to be in London this New Year’s Eve, ensure that you have a proper plan in place. Visit the official website to know more.