Boroughs Top of Pops

BOROUGH HITS HIGH NOTE AT NEW YEAR PARADE

Sutton ‘Rocks’ the World

The London Borough of Sutton had a number one hit at London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2024, which was broadcast live across London and the World.

Their entry, Sutton Rocks! Won first prize after a panel of the public and VIPs, declared them to be top of the pops, winning their mayoral charity £15,000.

They learned the news at a glittering West End ceremony on Friday evening (Jan 5th), where they were presented with the prestigious winner’s trophy and a cheque for the charity prize.

Live bands, singers and dancers told the World just how an important role Sutton had played in the history of popular music.

  • The Rolling Stones had their first paid gig at the Red Lion in Sutton.
  • Wallington Public Hall hosted legendary acts, including Jeff Beck, Mick Green, and a plethora of iconic bands in the 60s and 70s.
  • Notable guitar legends associated with Jeff Beck were Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Peter Green, whose influence reverberated worldwide through renowned bands like The Yardbirds, Cream, and Fleetwood Mac.

Sutton’s entry promised to be a harmonious blend of nostalgia, celebration, and community spirit, paying homage to the musical heritage that continues to resonate through the borough.

The entry was organized by Christine Lindsay and Gary Mason, Charity Trustees, and friends, supporting The Mayor of Sutton’s Charities – St Raphael’s Hospice Wellbeing Centre and Volunteer Centre Sutton Youth Cares project.

Parade Director, Joe Bone, hailed the win as a tremendous triumph, in what proved to be the best event in the parade’s 38-year history.

“The standard of borough entries just gets better and better, and Sutton proved to be the best of the best. As soon as I saw their entry, I knew that they had a hit on their hands.” Said Joe.

“It was close, but they were worthy winners.”

The London Borough of Brent came second, earning their mayoral charity £10,000 and the City of Westminster 3rd winning £5,000.

The parade, which attracted hundreds of thousands to the streets of London, was beamed to more than 1,000 TV stations, including a US network.

The kaleidoscopic cultural spectacular, featured more than 8,000 performers, including the One & Only Chesney Hawkes and supergroup Boyzlife.

 Media Images from: LNYDP 2024 Images