Pompoms, ceremony – and rain on the New Year's parade

Pompoms and marching batons took centre stage in London as more than 8,000 performers took part in the annual New Year’s Day Parade (AFP)

Pompoms and marching batons took centre stage in London as more than 8,000 performers took part in the annual New Year's Day Parade.

Cheerleaders and marching bands were watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators who lined the streets to watch the three-hour parade along a 2.2 mile route ending in front of the Palace of Westminster.

Performers, including Strictly Come Dancing's Russell Grant and Flavia Cacace, below, came from around the world, with the theme being the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.