An elf on an open-top bus
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

Dulcie Dunnett, six, from south London, makes the announcement starting the parade
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

Characters on the street
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

Flag-wavers line Regent Street
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

A wacky racer
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

A drumming troupe
Photograph: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Hamleys

The parade and crowd on Regent Street
Photograph: Eamonn M McCormack/Getty Images for Hamleys

An inflatable on parade
Photograph: Matthew Chattle/Barcroft Images

Dancers wait on the street at the parade
Photograph: Matthew Chattle/Barcroft Images