“Anchors aweigh!” Sutton pushes the boat out to win second place in London’s New Year’s Day Parade

Each year, the 32 London boroughs are invited to compete in the London Borough Competition as part of the Parade, with the best entries winning money for mayoral charities across the capital. 

This year, Sutton’s float, Pushes the Boat Out, was devised and built by a group of volunteers and friends of the Gary Mason Charity and Sutton St John Ambulance. The float, showcased the reality and fantasy of the sea and featured a boat, a yellow submarine and sea creatures. The £10,000, awarded to Sutton, will be split between the Mayor of Sutton’s charities, which this year are Home Start Sutton and Parkinsons UK. 

Reflecting on another successful year at the Parade, Councillor Colin Stears, Mayor of Sutton said: 
“I would like to thank our incredible volunteers who tirelessly dedicated their time to building the float between Christmas and New Year. 

“I would also like to thank our sponsors Terry Goodwin of FCL Event Logistics and Subsea 7 for their support, along with The See Seas, Richard Merrick, Jason Massey of Man & Van on The Move and Banstead Academy of Performing Arts, all of which provided their time and resources for free. 

“This is a huge community effort and showcases the very best of Sutton. The money will go to two fantastic charities in our borough who are supporting some of the most vulnerable people. 

“Finally, I would like to thank Christine Lindsay, MBE, who for the past 12 years has been instrumental in coordinating Sutton’s winning entries. Under Christine’s leadership, Sutton’s floats have won over £70,500 for local charities. Well done all!”

Visit London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival website for the full list of winners.