The New Year's Day London Street Parade was first held in 1986 and has since grown into a major attraction. Up to 33 London Boroughs contribute to the occasion, joining an extravagant procession through the streets of Central London with giant 18m (60ft) helium-filled balloons in the form of characters like Noddy and Bob the Builder forming the centrepiece. What began as a low-key affair with a few hundred performers from the USA and UK is now an extravaganza with troupes of cheerleaders, clowns, floats and marching bands, with more than 10,000 performers drawn from 20 countries. Crowds of around half a million are expected along the 3km (2 mile) route from Parliament Square to Piccadilly, after the build-up to the event takes place at Millbank.

Times
1200 in Parliament Square; finishes 1500.