In Pictures: Parades and sea dips go ahead at the start of a new year

Despite unfavourable weather, many braved the elements and the sea to mark the arrival of 2025.

Published Jan 1

Weather conditions failed to deter those determined to welcome the New Year.

At South Queensferry in Scotland, the annual Loony Dook saw many immerse themselves in the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth in the shadow of its famous bridges.

Revellers at the Loony Dook New Year’s Day dip in the Firth of Forth (Andrew Milligan/PA)

In London, there were some enforced changes to the parade with giant inflatables grounded by the winds, but spectators still had plenty of marching bands, vehicles and other entertainment to watch.

London’s New Year’s Day Parade — Performers during the New Year’s Day Parade in central London (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Dog walkers braved the elements at Barry Island while at Tynemouth Longsands surfers and swimmers were out in numbers.

Winter weather Jan 1st 2025 — A wagtail on Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island, in the Vale of Glamorgan (Ben Birchall/PA)

New Year’s Day swim — Swimmers dip in the sea at Tynemouth Longsands on the North East coast of England (Owen Humphreys/PA)

In another New Year staple, darts fans again flocked to London’s Alexandra Palace, many in costume, to see what the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune would bring in 2025.

2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship – Alexandra Palace – Day Fourteen — Darts fans also embraced 2025 at Alexandra Palace (Zac Goodwin/PA)