New Year parade route changed for Americans

The annual New Year's Day Parade through London will march the route in reverse to satisfy American television broadcasters, organisers said yesterday.

The about turn was ordered for next year's parade so the American audience gets the best views of the capital's landmarks, including Nelson's Column and the Houses of Parliament.

With an estimated TV audience in the US of up to 100 million viewers, organisers say the parade is a "fantastic shop window" for the capital's tourism and want London looking its best.

The two-mile parade traditionally marches from Parliament Square to the Ritz Hotel at Green Park. However, by flipping the route TV cameras get the best backdrop of landmarks. This year nearly 4,000 Americans took part in the event – with even more expected to get involved in January.