The borough's float was designed and dressed by Lincoln Rahamut of local organisation Mas Art, and saw 32 dancers from Leyton-based X7eaven dance academy (under the artistic direction of Sam Francis) joined by three cyclists from the Highams Park Coaching Academy and Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Richard Sweden on his signature mayoral tandem.
The theme for this year's parade was 'hats off' and Waltham Forest's spectacular float won fifth place, netting a whopping £3,000 for the Mayor's chosen charity (Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme) while tipping its own hat to the borough's pledge to 'keep the flame alive'.
"It was a tremendous honour to take part in this year's New Years Day Parade and I can't think of a better way to begin 2013," said Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Richard Sweden. "I'd like to congratulate the talented individuals who joined me and thank them for their efforts and determination. It's a tremendous achievement, and the prize money will make a real difference to a grassroots sporting organization who contribute a great deal to life here in Waltham Forest."
By pledging the 'keep the flame alive', Waltham Forest will seek to capitalise on the momentum of the Games, inspiring local people to keep fit and get into sport.