London New Year’s Day Parade is finally upon us, with a dazzling procession set to pass through London’s West End today (Wednesday, January 1). This year’s event will be headlined by Peter Andre, who will be rushing back from Dubai in the early hours of morning, ready to perform along the two-mile route through Piccadilly, Regents Street, St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
The capital’s first carnival of 2025 was due to get underway at 12pm but organisers have announced it has been delayed due to high winds forecast. It is now set to start 30 minutes later than planned, and inflatable cartoon characters will not be inflated after advice from the Met Office, spokesman Dan Kirkby added.
There will be free standing to the general public throughout the route, although ticketholders can arrive from 11am. The parade will begin near the Ritz Hotel and Green Park Station, making its way along Piccadilly – which will be adorned by three grandstands. A big screen will be in place at Piccadilly Circus, before the procession turns down Regent Street and St James to Waterloo Place, with another large screen for the public.
The capital’s first carnival of 2025 starts at 12pm and offers free standing to the general public throughout the route
(Image: lnydp.com)
From there, the parade will turn along Pall Mall and Cockspur Street, taking in the sights of Trafalgar square and Nelson’s Column, before turning once again down Whitehall. The march will conclude at Westminster at around 3.30pm. Toilets and first aid facilities will be available at each of key locations on the route, with big screens, grandstands and VIP areas for ticketholders. Several pedestrian crossings will also be in place to allow public right of way.
Peter Andre’s long list of hits includes Mysterious Girl, Flava, All About Us, Natural and I Feel You. He will be supported by singer Rika and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Connie Talbot, with 19 magnificent marching bands coming from as far afield as the USA, with dance groups and cheerleaders. Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin are bringing their lively energy to the day, with several Miss Great Britain contestants adding some sparkle to the line-up.
“It will be a New Year’s honour”, said Peter. “Headlining such an incredible event, for an enormous global audience on January 1st, is going to be such brilliant fun – and it’s free for London to come and watch, and those watching on TV around the World. 2025 is going to be a great year career wise for me with films and new music coming out. I can’t wait!”
More than a dozen London boroughs will be submitting entertaining entries, celebrating the” verve, creativity and spirit” that makes London special. The parade also raises funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities, with £15,000 for the winning borough. To date the event has raised more than £2.5million.
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