Don’t just sit there! What to do on New Year’s Day
Start the year as you mean to go on by putting down the mince pies, boshing an alka-seltzer, getting out of your onesie and back out into London life…
New Year’s Day Parade
Taking in Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, this American style extravaganza calls on the combined forces of pearly kings and queens, cheerleaders, marching bands and dancers from West End shows to welcome in 2013. 11.45am-3pm. Free.
‘Cecil Beaton: Theatre of War’
The royal snapper’s theatrical war images provide an intriguing counterpoint to traditional blood and- gore photojournalism. The final day of this superb show is also your last chance to visit the museum until July 2013 – it’s closing to allow for refurbishment of its WWI galleries.
‘Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950’
The white, high-collared ‘Elvis Dress’ designed by Catherine Walker for Princess Diana in the late ’80s is just one of the famous frocks on show in this exemplary display. The best-dressed show in town also features designs by Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Gareth Pugh, worn by the likes of Kate Moss and Beyoncé. The show closes on January 6.
Strictly Winter Swing
An opportunity to star in your own version of ‘Strictly’ at the Royal Festival Hall. Vintage dance teacher Moe Sakan teaches steps in swing and jive (2-3pm) while DJs Lady Kamikaze and El Nino spin their vintage brand of dance sounds (from the ’20s to the ’50s) to keep you on the dance floor all afternoon. 2-6pm. Free.
Find more events happening on New Year’s Day in London.
