The parade raises hundreds of pounds for charity

Up to 10,000 performers, including marching bands and dancers from Japan, the US and Europe, snaked their way from Parliament Square to Piccadilly.

Highlights included a 130ft papier mache dragon from Rome, said Dan Kirkby from the New Year's Day Parade.

He said the event was being hailed as the best in its 19-year history.

"People have been saying some of the 400-strong marching bands were momentous and a steel band from Antigua created a taste of the Caribbean in London," said Mr Kirkby.

Parade organiser Bob Bone told BBC News: "It's been a fantastic event without anyone getting too wet."

The two-mile route covered Parliament Square, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Pall Mall, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Piccadilly.

Mr Kirkby said almost a quarter of the money raised would go to the appeal for the victims of the Asian quake disaster.

Since it began in 1987, the parade has helped raise more than �650,000 for charity.