New York’s Time Square was taken over by yoga enthusiasts yesterday, as thousands of people participated in a mass yoga session.

A normal Wednesday in Manhattan turned into the scene of one of the biggest fitness displays on records, as crowds gathered to welcome summer with a massive get-together. Somewhere in the region of 1,500 yoga mats were given out for free to incoming participants, while busy crossroads were filled to the brim with people in the hectic city.

The demonstration lasted through much of the day, thus giving opportunities to both the experienced and novice yoga practicers a chance to show just how supple their joints are. They were given instructions by massive, bellowing loudspeakers, as they went through the motions and were led by professionals in the blazing summer heat.

For those who turned out, it was possible to join in classes bewteen 7.30am, right through to the last one at 8.30pm later that night. Over 14,000 are said to have taken part with all age groups represented.

The voice of Drisana Cary was blasted throughout the streets, starting from the unofficial outdoor ‘classroom’ on 42nd Street, although it stretched down many blocks around the area.