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The about turn was ordered so the US audience gets the best views of the
capital's iconic landmarks, reports the Daily Telegraph.
With an estimated TV audience in the US of up to 100 million viewers,
organisers say the parade is a "fantastic shop window" and want London
looking its best.
The two mile parade traditionally marches from Parliament Square to the Ritz
Hotel at Green Park. However, by flipping the route TV cameras get the best
backdrop of London's landmarks.
The annual event is already hugely popular in the United States. Last year
nearly 4,000 Americans took part from 24 different bands - with even more
expected to get involved this year.
The parade's executive director Bob Bone said: "Each year we act as a
fantastic shop window for our city but we wanted to make doubly sure that
London looks at its very best.
"We made the change to get even better camera angles for our multinational
satellite transmission.'
"We have massive demand for the broadcast in the States. The Christmas and
New Year period is vital for tourism when millions decide where they will
visit in the summer.
"This year, of all years, it is vital that we attract every last one of
them."
More than 8,500 performers will participate in the 24th annual event which
regularly attracts up to 500,000 people on to the streets of the West End.
illegal.
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