Patrons & Supporters

I am delighted to once again welcome the London New Year’s Day Parade to the streets of our capital. The route of the parade passes some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and is, without doubt, one of the great highlights of the year in London. It is wonderful to see such a fantastic array of floats, all accompanied by marching bands and cheerleaders on the streets of London. I congratulate the thousands of people from across the world who will be taking part. My best wishes too for the year ahead, to the many Londoners and visitors who are here to witness the event. Have a very happy and healthy New Year.

Steve Summers

“There really is no better place to welcome in the New Year than London. From the World’s greatest fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, to the fun-filled London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, our capital will be celebrating our unity and diversity as we again show the World that London is open to all.

“At the New Year’s Day Parade, more than 10,000 performers from more than 20 nationalities will stand side by side in celebration. From dancers to marching bands, and giant balloons to stunt riders, they will turn some of our most iconic streets into a sea of joy and colour.

“It will truly be a spectacular way to welcome in 2020, so whether you are a Londoner, a visitor or one of the millions watching at home, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

LNYDP Patron, former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster 2004-05

Welcome to London’s New Year’s Day Parade, the showtime theme next year will ensure that 2020 starts off with an uplifting spectacle which will give pleasure to us all whether in London or the other side of the world. As a Patron of the Parade I know how much work goes in to preparing for this fantastic event, not only is a great deal of time and effort dedicated to showcasing the talents of so many entries, but also to raising funds for chosen charities.

It is a privilege to be able to celebrate each groups’ achievements as we watch them go by. We will all have a memorable day here in Westminster and particular thanks must go to the whole community, spectators, volunteers and participants alike, for being part of this spectacular show to celebrate 33 years.

Catherine Longworth

Former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster 2009-10

As a Patron of London’s New Year’s Day Parade, it is a great privilege and honour to congratulate all the participants who have worked so hard over many months to prepare for today – and to welcome you to London to be a part of this unique New Year celebration.

Last year, we were treated to a feast of bands, boroughs, music, dancing and many other acts, bringing fun and colour to London’s streets as we rang in the New Year. This year’s Parade promises to be another spectacle, once again showcasing talent from around the world.

Happy New Year and I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration to mark the start of 2020.

Duncan Sandys

As the London Parade & Festival’s Goodwill Ambassador and as a former Lord Mayor of Westminster (1996-97) and former Chairman of the London Mayors’ Association (1998-2016) I wish the 2020 London New Years Days Parade & Festival good luck. I have been involved in the Parade since its inception and hold the record for leading the winning entry in the London Boroughs Float competition more times than anyone else. Attending and participating in the Parade has always been one of the most spectacular highlights of the year and the contribution made by so many participants is just amazing. Having visited many of the participating schools across the United States, I have been so impressed by the quality of their musical performances and the dedication and professional of all the pupils and teaching staff. Added to this are the amazing support they are given by their local education authority, the parents and siblings of the participants as well as local businessmen and politicians. Equally impressive are all the other entrants from the London Borough Floats to all the other interesting and fun participants. It is certainly a day to enjoy and remember. Have a great day.

Robert Davis MBE DL

I am delighted to welcome the 2020 London New Year’s Day Parade to our wonderfully vibrant city. The parade runs past many iconic sights and will allow hundreds of thousands of spectators and television viewers, all over the globe, to witness London on such a joyous occasion. It is a highlight of the London calendar and the array of floats and cultures showcases the socially inclusive city we are proud to call home.

Enjoy the spectacular entertainment and please support all the London Mayors nominated charities. Have a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Sir Ken Olisa

Even with the mortality tables edging ever upwards, thirty four years is not far short of half a life time. It is anyway longer than the life span of many of next year’s participants.

No one should be surprised that London’s New Year’s Day Parade is now an established and keenly awaited fixture in the city’s calendar. If Vox Populi is the gauge that the Romans alleged it is, then the mere fact that three hundred million viewers have television access to the Parade is surely significant.

A resounding welcome, in any case, to the thousands of viewers and participants. This exuberant event is a joyful prelude to a year which we hope will brim with happiness and success.

Roger Bramble DL

Dean of Westminster

It’s a parade, it will gather and arrange a wonderful variety of people, a kaleidoscope of ability and ambition. The New Year begins and finds us doing something joyful and doing it together.

The Parade itself is the message. It is a celebration of all that we are and a declaration that we can be together in happiness and hope. As churches, like the Abbey, continue to reflect on the Christmas story in which God meets us in a human life, we all affirm our shared humanity and we rejoice.