In pictures: Thousands descend to celebrate London New Year's Day Parade

  • London
People shelter from the rain as they wait for the start of the annual New Years Day Parade in London. Credit: PA

Tens of thousands of people have poured into the streets of London for a "swinging sixties" New Year's Day parade.

The New Year parade in London features cheerleaders, acrobats and a host of musical tribute acts as part of the city's retrospective introduction to 2014.

The pageant, which has been organised annually since 1987, features more than 8,500 performers from across the world, including cheerleaders, acrobats and musicians.

Cheerleaders from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) take part during the annual New Years Day Parade in London. Credit: PA

The parade aimed to transport revellers 50 years into the past with a "groovy" mix of flare-clad dancers, The Beatles tribute bands and historic floats.

An entertainer dressed as John Lennon from The Beatles. Credit: PA
Steam engine enthusiasts take part during the annual New Years Day Parade in London. Credit: PA
Mods on their scooters take part during the annual New Years Day Parade in London. Credit: PA
An entertainer dressed as a character from 1960's show Thunderbirds. Credit: PA
Spectators wear plastic rainmacs as heavy rain falls during the annual New Years Parade Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Cheerleaders from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Credit: PA
An entertainer during the annual New Years Day Parade in London. Credit: PA