Patrons and Supporters

The Very Revd Dr John Hall.

The Dean of Westminster

This coming year we shall be given the unique opportunity to welcome the world as we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Let us all be alive to the fact that each of us will be asked to give of our best – whether through the kindness and courtesy shown to strangers or through the patience demanded of us when our ordinary days are transformed by extraordinary events. Let us remember that each small act of care and consideration can leave a lasting impression. May God bless us as we rise to such a challenge and seek to make a difference.

Ambassador Susman

His Excellency, The Ambassador of the United States of America

One of the great privileges of the U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James’ is to be a patron of the London New Year’s Day Parade. Every year, this fantastic event goes from strength to strength. This year will no doubt be better than last – and I am delighted that it’s now a firmly established feature of the capital’s cultural calendar.

The spectacle of 4,000 young American musicians, singers, and performers marching alongside their British friends is a wonderfully vibrant and colorful celebration of our special relationship. And it is especially pleasing for me to see London welcome so many groups from my part of America - the Midwest.

The parade is a great, fun way to begin another year of close friendship between our two nations. And 2012 promises to be extra special, with celebrations to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond　Jubilee and the UK hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I wish all those thousands of you in London a safe and enjoyable celebration and - on behalf of President Obama and the American community in Britain - a very happy New Year.

Councillor Robert Davis DL, International Goodwill Ambassador of the New Year's Day Parade

Chairman of the London Mayor's Association

As International Goodwill Ambassador for the Parade it never ceases to amaze and impress me how many high quality performers from all over the world come together to celebrate the New Year in Westminster. As we celebrate the 26th New Year's Day Parade not only would I like to thank all of those who will be performing but I would like to particularly extend my sincere appreciation and good wishes to the tens of thousands of overseas performers who have preceded them and helped make the Parade the world class event it is today.

As Chairman of the London Mayor’s Association, I would also like to thank the Mayors of all the London Boroughs represented at the Parade, for their support in making this a truly outstanding event.

As we enter the Diamond Jubilee Year of Her Majesty’s reign and see the whole world descend on London for the greatest sporting event in history,the 2012 Olympic Games,the Mayoralty in London is proud to be a part of the first event of this spectacular year.

I do hope you all enjoy the fun and that you will agree that there simply isn’t anywhere else in the world where you can celebrate the New Year in such an impressive location with such exceptional entertainment.

 

Catherine Longworth

Former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster 2004-5

It is a great privilege to be Patron of the New Year's Day Parade, one of the highlights of the London year, and I know how much we all enjoy the spectacle and variety of the show.  The American High School Marching Bands are special participants as are the floats from the London Boroughs.   I certainly appreciate how hard everyone works to make the event the global success it is   It is a truly memorable start to this exciting year of 2012.   My best wishes to all those involved.

Duncan Sandys

Former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster 2009-10

As a Patron of the New year's Day Parade, it is a great privilege and honour to contratulate all the participants who have worked so hard over many months to prepare for today.

Last year, we were treated to a majestic finale by the American Marching Bands - and this Silver Anniversary Parade promses to be another spectacle.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful day of celebration to mark the start of the New Year.