Kiwi revellers celebrate Waitangi Day in London

Kiwis in costume for the annual Waitangi Day celebrations in London. Photo: Facebook / Kiwis in London

Thousands of revellers have gathered in London for annual Waitangi Day celebrations.

A video posted on the Kiwis in London Facebook page shows a large crowd gathering for a mass haka at Parliament Square at 4pm (UK time).

Police reportedly closed several streets around Westminster Abbey because the crowd was so big.

The event is part of an annual Waitangi Day pub crawl for Kiwis, which has been running for more than 30 years. Several participants are in fancy dress.

The event came under fire in 2012 when a complaint was filed with the New Zealand High Commissioner saying participants' antics brought "great shame" to the country. Alleged antics included public vomiting and urinating.

Kiwis in London director Clint Heine said he hadn't heard of any arrests or trouble so far this year.

"I've had no feedback whatsoever this year," he said.

"I would have had a call by now if there was any trouble. We've had one arrest in three years.

"We want to keep it that way."

Mr Heine was at an official Waitangi Day meal in a Kiwi restaurant in London when he spoke to the Herald.

"It's packed. Lots of Kiwis but a few people that aren't as well. I'm about to get into a pineapple lump dessert."