In pictures: New Year's Day parade in London
- Published
Hundreds of cheerleaders took part in London's traditional New Year's Day parade, which this year celebrated the swinging 60s
The pageant, which has been organised annually since 1987, featured more than 8,500 performers from across the world.
More than 500,000 people were expected to attend the event despite rain and strong winds.
The parade aimed to transport revellers 50 years into the past with a "groovy" mix of flare-clad dancers, The Beatles and Rolling Stones tribute bands and historic floats.
Colourful floats, cheerleaders and 17 marching bands followed a route along Piccadilly, Lower Regent St, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
DJ and broadcaster Mike Read, who rode on one of the parade's floats, said: "It's surprising the event is better known around the world than it is here."
The 2.2-mile parade started at midday from the Ritz Hotel in Regent Street and came to an end in Parliament Square.