New Year's Day parade ushers in London's 'big year'
London's New Year's Day parade has launched a "thrilling" year that will see both the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrated in the city, organisers said.
The parade started at 11:45 GMT with over 500,000 spectators estimated to line the 2.2 mile route.
Entertainer Russell Grant and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Flavia Cacace are taking part.
More than 8,000 people are performing, including more than 1,000 cheerleaders.
Some 17 marching bands from the US are among those in the procession providing music.
'Great deal of fun'
Grant, who first found fame as a TV astrologer, said he was looking forward to thanking everyone for keeping him in Strictly Come Dancing for so long by voting for him.
He said: "It's going to be a great deal of fun and will kick off 2012 in the best of all possible ways."
Bob Bone, executive director of the event, which is in its 26th year, said there had never been a bigger year for London.
The first "Lord Mayor of Westminster's Big Parade", as it was then known, took place on 1 January 1987
He added: "It's very important that London looks good on 1 January."
He said he was particularly looking forward to seeing the 60 kites which had been commissioned for the event.
Among those making their debut in the parade are the London Borough of Croydon and a scooter fan club from Wanstead.
Martin Heath of Foresters Scooter Club, which was formed in 1957, said there was particular interest in having his group's vintage scooters in the parade this year to evoke the spirit of the start of the Queen's reign.
He said up to 50 members were taking part.
The London Borough of Croydon's entry will be diamond-themed to reflect both Her Majesty's anniversary and the borough's geographical shape.
Local arts group for people with learning disabilities, Club Soda, will represent the area.
The route takes in Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street.
(BBC)
