The enthusiasm of some 8500 participants of the New Year’s Day parade in central London did not permit the weather to dampen their spirits. The theme for this year’s parade was ‘Music from the blockbusters’. With communities getting together from all around the globe to dress up as characters from classic films such as 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Mary Poppins'.

Among the crowds was 11 year old Sophie, watching the parade accompanied by her dad. She said "I didn’t think everyone would be so happy in the pouring rain, but they are. I especially love the cheerleaders!"

Cheerleaders and acrobats flew in from a range of states across America to take part in the family-friendly event, accompanied by marching bands. Together, with their matching brightly coloured uniforms, they brought their uplifting spirits into the grey streets of London- transforming the atmosphere with their largely projected smiles, in-sync marches and loud brass-music, leaving an array of smiles across kids as young as three as well as many elders.

There were also groups of Latino dancers who flew over from South America- dancing proudly in their high skirts, as if the biting-cold was simply an illusion.

The local communities definitely did us proud- women, dressing up in typical bowler hats, wearing suits and ties.  They marched proudly through Piccadilly Circus. Sports cars followed, covered in the print of the British flag. These caused a stir of laughter in the audience as they would read off the number plates names ‘Union Jag’.

Overall-in spite of the weather, this year’s parade was a great success, getting 2017 off to a perfect start.