Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade: Thousands gather to watch larger-than-life characters ride through Regent Street

Francesca Gillett21 November 2016

Thousands of excited children lined Regent Street to see their favourite characters come to life at the Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade.

The largest single gathering of toy characters anywhere in the world kicked off in central London on Sunday with larger-than-life inflatable toys and colourful floats.

Around 750,000 people braved the remnants of storm Angus to enjoy the parade of more than 400 of the most well-loved children’s characters organised by the flagship toyshop.

Among the parade’s stars were classic characters Paddington Bear, Noddy and Postman Pat – as well as more recent toy characters like Peppa Pig and creatures from In the Night Garden.

Hamley's Toy Parade 2016

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Other characters spotted at the parade were the Teletubbies, Transformers, Power Rangers, My Little Pony and Bob the Builder.

The free parade set off from Air Street before making its way up Regent Street and finishing at Great Marlborough Street.

The parade drew 750,000 people despite the miserable weather.
Getty Images for Hamleys

Marching bands, including the Surbiton Royal British Legion youth band also took to the streets to entertain families.

Classic characters including Noddy wave to crowds.
Getty Images for Hamleys

“Nothing like #HamleysParade to cheer up a cold and rainy day,” said Judi Morris on Twitter.

Lisa Sloan said: “Lovely day spent at #HamleysParade. A little bit of rain won’t stop the fun.”

Once the parade had ended, toy lovers had a chance to meet their favourite characters in the flesh.

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