Patrons and Supporters

Robert Bone

Executive Director of The New Year\'s Day Parade and Festival London

Before we introduce you to our impressive list of Patrons and Supporters and give you the opportunity to read their individual messages of goodwill, I should like to offer my own very considerable thanks to all of our hard working Patrons and Supporters.

Many of our leading Patrons have contributed enormously over the years to the development of the New Year's Day Parade and Festival London, and have helped to make it the enormously popular and successful event that it is today.  Thank you to all of them.

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London

I am delighted to support London's New Year's Day Parade and Festival.

This year's parade, now in its 23rd consecutive year, offers the spectator an amazing array of entertainment provided by the many music ensembles - marching bands, concert bands, jazzbands, orchestras and choirs - who participate each year.

London's New Year's Day Parade is now a major feature in the country's calendar of events. Itespecially adds value to London and is enjoyed by Londoners and millions of people worldwide.

I am committed to supporting the development of the Parade and to promoting London as the world's most exciting city.

Sir David Brewer

The Lord Lieutenant of Greater London

In my first year as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London I am delighted to have this opportunity to thank everybody involved in this spectacular Parade. As a Westminster resident I know what a fantastic start it is to the New Year and I am always impressed by just how exciting and vibrant the event is. Over the years it has grown to be a fantastic occasion for the participants and spectators who assemble from all over the Globe. I urge you all to enjoy the day and give generously to support the many worthy charities nominated by the London Mayors. My best wishes to you all for the year ahead."

The Right Honourable Gorden Brown, MP

Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury

I am delighted to have this opportunity to send my very best wishes andwarmest congratulations on the occasion of the London New Year's Day Parade and Festival.

This very special event brings together the many communities of London, friends from overseas and visitors to the Capital. It provides a wonderful and positive way in which to celebrate London and thebeginning of the New Year, as well as raising thousands of pounds forlocal charities.

I am sure that this year's Parade and Festival will be a great success and would like to take this opportunity to wish all those involved anenjoyable day and a happy and peaceful 2009.

The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Ch

The Bishop of London

"As the New Year begins, the most urgent need for our community is hope. It is hope which can give meaning to life and history and which gives us the courage to continue on our way in the future together.

Londoners have an opportunity in the 2009 New Year's Day Parade to demonstrate visibly the hope and the energy which will bring us better times".