Londoners were left in disbelief on Friday, September 20, as a tank was spotted driving through some of the capital’s most famous streets. What initially appeared to be an extraordinary sight was later revealed to be part of a cancelled marketing stunt, prompting the tank’s crew to take an impromptu drive through Central London.

The tank made its way down prominent locations, including York Way, Euston Road, Great Portland Street, Marylebone High Street, and Baker Street. It even crossed bustling Oxford Street before heading to Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, and Oxford Circus.

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According to one of the occupants, the tank caused a “standstill” at Oxford Circus as curious onlookers watched in awe.

Passersby, including children and older residents, waved excitedly as the unusual vehicle rolled by. One crew member remarked, “Kids were coming up, waving at you, talking to you. Even the older people

Now I know what the Queen was like.

The tank belongs to Tanks-Alot, a company owned by businessman Nick Mead. The company has previously made headlines for selling military vehicles, including providing 100 vehicles to Ukraine, as reported by The Sun. Mr. Mead also gained attention in the past when he discovered gold bars worth millions of dollars hidden inside one of his tanks.

Despite the disruption, the spectacle brought smiles and excitement to many Londoners. After making its rounds past landmarks such as The Ritz and the BBC, the tank returned to Euston Road, capping off a day that the city won’t soon forget.

The impromptu drive comes amid discussions by Mayor Sadiq Khan to pedestrianize Oxford Street, which could one day prevent such scenes from taking place on one of London’s busiest thoroughfares.