Protests, Parades and a Dip in the Pool: London’s 2025 in Photos

From mass protests to moments of celebration and scenes shaped by extreme weather, 2025 proved to be a defining year for London. A series of powerful images captured across the capital have offered a visual record of a city navigating political tension, climate pressure, and communal joy, often all at once. Together, these photographs tell the story of a year that tested resilience while also showcasing London’s enduring spirit.

One of the most striking images of the year came during the summer heatwave, when a wildfire crept dangerously close to homes in Dagenham. Aerial photographs showed blackened grassland pressing up against rows of terraced houses, underlining how climate change is no longer an abstract threat but a lived reality for many Londoners. Fire crews battled extreme conditions as temperatures soared, and the image became a stark reminder of the growing risks facing urban areas during prolonged periods of heat and drought.

Alongside environmental challenges, 2025 was marked by waves of protest that brought thousands onto the streets. Demonstrations over housing, the cost of living, global conflicts, and climate action filled central London on multiple occasions. Photographs of packed bridges, police lines, and handmade placards revealed both the scale of public anger and the diversity of voices demanding change. These scenes reflected a city deeply engaged with political debate, where public space continues to play a vital role in democratic expression.

Yet the year was not defined solely by tension and crisis. Images of celebration offered balance and perspective. Sporting parades drew huge crowds as fans gathered to cheer teams returning home with trophies, turning streets into seas of colour and noise. From open top buses moving slowly through cheering crowds to children perched on shoulders waving flags, these moments captured the joy of shared success and the unifying power of sport in a city often divided by background and belief.

Everyday pleasures also featured prominently in the photographic record of the year. As temperatures rose, Londoners sought relief wherever they could, with images showing people lining up at lidos, diving into outdoor pools, and cooling off in fountains and riverside spots. These scenes of leisure and adaptation illustrated how residents responded creatively to changing conditions, reclaiming public spaces and finding moments of calm amid wider uncertainty.

Cultural life remained vibrant throughout 2025, and photographs from festivals, street performances, and neighbourhood events highlighted the capital’s rich diversity. From colourful parades celebrating heritage and identity to small scale community gatherings, these images reinforced the idea of London as a patchwork of cultures, each contributing to the city’s evolving character. In many cases, these events provided welcome relief from the heavier headlines dominating news cycles.

Transport strikes, major public events, and royal and political moments also left their mark, captured in images that showed empty stations, tightly packed crowds, or carefully managed security operations. Together, they reflected the constant movement and adaptation that define life in a global city. Even moments of disruption became part of the shared experience of living in London.

Looking back through the lens of these photographs, 2025 emerges as a year of contrast. Crisis sat alongside celebration, and anxiety was often countered by solidarity. The images do not just document events, but emotions, revealing how Londoners reacted, adapted, and came together in response to the challenges and opportunities of the year.

As another year begins, these photographs stand as a visual memory of a city that continues to evolve under pressure, yet remains unmistakably alive, expressive, and resilient.