Unloxit 2026

New Year's Day in London is a great time for blowing away the cobwebs of 2025, with its annual parade. Last year was a washout but today the weather is bright (albeit cold) with an ideal chance to travel virtually. It's worth starting a couple of hours before the parade starts, to watch the performers getting ready, making up and so on. I start near Hyde Park Corner and avoiding the crush of the main parade, take it up near the Houses of Parliament.

There's a fleet of ancient vehicles, followed by a motley crew and then dancers from China, Ecuador, Bolivia, Poland and the USA. By now they must have got back to their day jobs but it's great to see them having their day of fun.Read more