Thousands of brave Mancunians battled the wind and rain to watch a dazzling fireworks display to mark the start of a new year. For the first time ever, the city’s New Year’s celebrations were held at St Peter’s Square where the roof of the central library was the launch site for the dazzling pyrotechnics.
However, it isn’t Manchester without any rain, and before the beginning of celebrations the weather threatened to put a dampener on any celebrations as there were unrelenting showers from the late afternoon well into midnight and beyond.
Many had worried that Manchester would join the list of major cities to cancel their New Year’s Eve events like Newcastle and Edinburgh amid a yellow and later amber weather warning for rain.
St Peter’s Square was rammed despite the horrid rain
(Image: Sean Hansford)
But the council announced that plans would go ahead and advised people to wrap up warm and bring their waterproofs.
Damandu and his friends Kit and Nat, who are husband and wife, made a two hour drive to Manchester with it being the closest major firework display.
Kit told the MEN: “Fireworks are always magical and it’s a great way to finish the year.
“We’ve been to the one in London but we’ve moved recently and couldn’t miss this year’s. When we saw that this was going ahead we decided that we had to be here. Even with the rain.”
St Peter’s Square was a sea of umbrellas
(Image: Sean Hansford)
While the rain tried its best to spoil the party, one man was on a mission to make sure it went ahead. As people began to line St Peter’s Square for the city’s celebratory fireworks display, one man took it upon himself to entertain the masses with an impromptu drum and bass set.
That man was 32-year-old Luke originally from Kent, but living in Manchester. He said he is a big music fan and usually plays at home but saw the opportunity to spread some cheer.
He said: “It’s New Year’s Eve so I thought I’d come out here and play some music. It can lift spirits and cheer people up so I’m going to be out here for hours.
“It’s not for everyone but honestly most people either have a bit of a jig or they ignore it.”
Luke played to the waiting crowd
However, with the rain lashing it down, many took shelter underneath at 1 St Peter’s Square where they stayed for hours before the stage was set and music began blaring.
Abi from Cardiff arrived with his friends and was excited to see his first fireworks display in Manchester. Although he was not too keen on the weather and planned on watching the show from a dry comfortable spot.
They decided to take a stand outside a building with a ledge to stay out of the rain, like many others here.
“We’re going to watch the fireworks from here. This rain is bad!”
“This would be my first time celebrating the New Year in Manchester so I’m excited.” He told the MEN.
Thousands braved the harsh weather to celebrate New Year’s Eve
(Image: Sean Hansford)
The council were expecting around 20,000 people to attend the event. With hours to go before counting down, the masses had already piled into the square.
Unfortunately, the biblical rain meant that that number was halved, but it was a strong showing nonetheless.
According to local councillor Pat Karney, over 10,000 people made their way to St Peter’s Square with brollies at the ready, determined to defy the weather and see in a new year with a merry attitude and good intentions.
The square went from being sparsely populated to rammed with eager Mancunians and visitors alike with the umbrellas making it even harder to find space.
A very wet and windy New Years Eve in St Peters Square , Manchester City Centre . 01 January 2025
Throughout the event, radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath warmed the crowd up with music and chants that elicited crowd participation.
Before long, the rain was part of the celebrations too, ‘brolly’ dances became a thing and voices turned hoarse as they roared the countdown to midnight.
The firework display was met with ‘ooohs’, ‘aahs’ and ‘woops’ from thousands who may have been soaked through, but remained high in spirits.
“Only in Manchester,” said Pat Karney.