Manchester City Council is set to recommend that a New Year’s Eve firework display should be held in the city centre.
After listening to feedback from residents and local businesses, Manchester City Council will advise that a fireworks display is the most feasible option for New Year's celebrations in the city.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "Any New Year event would need to be fully inclusive and family-friendly, and a fireworks display would be something that everyone can enjoy. We have a strong reputation for delivering a wide and varied programme of events in the city and it is important we continue to listen to the needs and wishes of Manchester people as part of this remit."
A council report, which will be considered next week, explores in depth all the logistics of putting on such an event. Manchester City Council have consulted extensively with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, the NHS and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and also make clear in the report that funding must come through sponsorship so as not to impact on or undermine the year-round provision of events and festivals that Manchester City Council makes available.
It is hoped however that any plans to host a New Year event can complement those already on offer throughout the year including the Manchester International Festival, the Pride Festival, Manchester Markets, the St George's Day Parade and the Manchester Irish Festival, recognising the potential it has to become a permanent addition to the programme if a pilot proved successful.
Councillor Mike Amesbury added:"Although this is still very much at an advisory stage, we will certainly be putting forward a strong case for providing a New Year celebration in Manchester. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who took part in our consultation by filling in questionnaire's and sending us their comments, which have helped us to identify the best way to take these proposals forward."
The findings and recommendations will be presented and considered at a council committee meeting next week.
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