‘More than 10,000’ performers parade in London for New Year’s Day celebration
More than 10,000 performers from across the globe are said to have paraded through London to celebrate New Year’s Day.
Entertainers wearing gold outfits danced to Abba’s music, a brass band wearing green uniforms played to crowds and a cheerleading troupe put on a show.
Quad bike riders executed stunts in the city centre and a convoy of Aston Martins travelled through the roads as the drivers waved.
The event attracted 2,000 performers when it started in 1987 but now has more than 10,000 participants from all over the world, organisers said.
Participants ‘dooked’ – or bathed – in fancy dress to raise money for charity, with some carrying bright inflatable water toys and Scottish flags, while one dressed as an octopus and another wore a spotted-dog onesie.
Women smiled as they walked out of the sea dressed as iridescent green mermaids.
Groups rushed into the sea in places from County Wicklow in Ireland to Ramsgate in Kent.
The new year started with a bang as fireworks and drones lit up the sky in London and celebrations took place in Edinburgh and other cities across the country.
After the bongs of Big Ben sounded at midnight, “London: A Place for Everyone” appeared high above the crowds on the banks of the Thames as the unity-themed display welcomed 2024.
In a display that lasted almost 15 minutes, 100,000 people cast their eyes upwards to take in the fireworks, lasers and drones spectacular.
The celebration referenced the King’s coronation and also used Charles’s quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing, in which he said the new arrivals “collectively enrich the fabric of our national life”.
The show was organised by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who said it was London’s “best and biggest” New Year celebration.
Mr Khan said: “Our unique combination of fireworks, drones, lighting and music have put on a fabulous show for the millions watching around the globe, sending a message of unity and showing why London is the greatest city in the world.
Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations were just as impressive, with music from English rock band Pulp entertaining the crowds as fireworks forked overhead.
Thousands gathered at the sold-out Princes Garden Street Party and Concert in the Gardens for the festival’s 30th anniversary, which is widely regarded as one of the world’s best places to ring in the New Year.
Some were left impressed by what Hogmanay had to offer.
Mark Wright, 50, said: “This is the first time I’ve been here. The fireworks were brilliant.
“I’ll be here next year, straight away. As soon as I get home I’ll be booking up for next year.”
“Could there be a band more perfect for this than Pulp? Possibly only Blondie – I couldn’t think of a better band,” she told the PA news agency.
“The fireworks were incredible; they went on and on and on.
“We’re from London and Hogmanay is one of those things you always feel is a bit overdone, but it’s been incredible and to have snuck into the VIP area by accident is excellent.”