Thousands of people are set to brave the weather and gather in Manchester city centre to ring in the new year. A huge fireworks display will mark the arrival of 2025.
For the first time ever, the event is being held in St Peter’s Square. Ongoing renovation work at Manchester Town Hall means Albert Square, where previous events have been staged, is out of action.
Around 20,000 people are to be admitted to the free event which starts at 10pm and runs until 12:30am, on a first come, first served basis. In another first for this year’s event, fireworks will be released from the roof of Manchester Central Library.
There will be a live stage show, with radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath hosting proceedings and leading the countdown to midnight. Trams won’t run through St Peter’s Square from 8pm until the end of service.
Similar events in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Blackpool tonight have had to be cancelled due to the weather, with forecasted high winds meaning they have been scrapped on safety grounds.
This afternoon, Manchester City Council confirmed the event here would be going ahead as planned. A yellow weather warning for rain is in place covering Greater Manchester and attendees have been advised to wrap up and bring their waterproofs.
Coun Pat Karney, the town hall’s designated New Year’s spokesperson, said: “Our New Year celebrations are going ahead tonight as planned. Mancunians know that when it’s a bit cold and wet you have to wrap up warm, but we’re looking forward to seeing everyone tonight as we all celebrate counting down to 2025 in Manchester, the best city in the world.”
We will be bringing you updates from tonight’s festivities in the city centre in our live blog below