People from twenty countries participated in New Year Parade in London despite terrorism threats
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LONDON: Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in London on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to ring in 2016 amid heightened police security and despite terrorism threats.
More than 8,500 cheerleaders, marching bands and acrobats from 20 countries performed in the London New Year's Day Parade as the event marked its 30th anniversary.
Some performers arrived before dawn to rehearse for the show - just hours after the capital's New Year's Eve firework display, which was overlooked by 3,000 police officers.
Both events went ahead as planned, despite heightened global security following the Paris terror attacks in November.
A spokesman for Metropolitan Police confirmed only that "proportionate policing" had been put in place for the London parade.
London New Year's Day Parade spokesman Dan Kirkby said: "It has been amazing and we've seen about 500,000 people come along - the best turn-out we have ever seen.
"We started a little late and had a slight balloon mishap, but it didn't leave us too deflated.
"It has been a real party for everyone here and those watching from other countries. It gives us a chance to show the whole world what London has to offer. (Express.co)
