New Year's Day Parade

The New Year's Day Parade took place today in Central London. It continued despite the rain that gradually turned into a heavy downpour. Below are a few photos of the day and some short video clips.

The parade followed a route from Green Park and along Piccadilly via Trafalgar Square to Westminster. I found a spot opposite the Canadian Embassy just off Trafalgar Square.

The donkeys were popular with the crowd

Tonbridge Scout Band

There were several marching bands from the UK and USA.

Keeping your line can be difficult when you follow donkeys and horses.

The rain started as the Virginian marching band reached the Canadian Embassy.

I enjoyed the American cheerleaders, tap dancing and flag waving troupes.

American cheerleaders singing enthusiastically

There were a number of floats with walking participants behind.

Penguin and Sweep dancing behind Mary Poppins float

There were all sort of vehicles - from mini steam engines to an assortment of cars.

There were a number of charities represented, including St Christopher's celebrating their 50th Anniversary and Polio prevention.

Bear walking for polio eradication charity

Miss Great Britain retained her composure in the back of an open-top car as the rain got heavier.

There were dancers and musicians from a variety of countries. All the participants deserved an award for carrying on so stoically as the rain poured and the crowds ran for shelter. The animation below shows dancers from Berlin carrying on enthusiastically in the rain.

I walked in the direction of Green Park, the start of the parade. On my way, I saw my local borough's entry. The side of Hillingdon's vehicle wished everyone a Happy New Year.

The show went on despite the British weather.

Star Wars: Surprising Message of Hope

All thoughts are with Berlin. I had intended to make a wreath like the ones I saw in the Christmas market in Leicester Square. The events of yesterday have dulled that enthusiasm. The oranges and limes are still sitting in the fruit bowl.

I bought the fruit bowl at the May Day market in London’s Little Venice. The photos of the house boats festooned with decorations remain largely unused. Using those pictures didn’t seem right after the murder of British MP Jo Cox by a right-wing extremist. She was murdered on my younger son's birthday.

19^th December 2016 was not a good day. It was my birthday. No real celebration at my age. My younger son and I simply went to see the new Star Wars film, Rogue One, at the cinema. The Rebel Alliance were fighting the Evil Empire again. Artificial Intelligence rated the probability of succeeding as basically nil. Yet, humans still clung on to hope and fought. It was a shock to hear of the Christmas market events in Berlin afterwards.

As we offer our condolences to the bereaved and injured today, we should still hold on to our values and religious tolerance. London’s answer to terrorism has always been to carry on with daily life and cherish what is important. We hold on to a HOPE that transcends any religion that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Star Wars Rogue One poster above Christmas Market, Leicester Square