A spectacular end-of-the-year firework display is set to once again light up the night sky over Manchester, with the city's first New Year's Eve firework celebration event since Covid set to take place on Sunday 31 December to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new.
Everyone is invited to the family-friendly free event which will be held in Castlefield Bowl, with pedestrian access into the event area from Liverpool Road or Duke Street.
The fun-filled event kicks off at 10 pm and will include a live DJ set from Hits Radio DJ Jordan Lee, a traditional time-to-hug-all-your-friends countdown to midnight, followed by a huge firework display to celebrate the start of the new year in Manchester.
The event is an alcohol-free event and anyone attending is asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size. Bag searches will be in operation.
Capacity for the event is 10,000 first-come, first-served. There are two disability access points for New Year revellers - one on Liverpool Road by the Castlefield Visitor Centre and one on Rice Street, along with a dedicated viewing area. Anyone planning to attend the event should note it is a standing room only event and will not be seated.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council said:
"No-one can deny that 2023 has proved to be quite the year for Manchester with a list of successes in the fields of culture and sport as long as your arm, added to a rapidly growing global reputation as a city to do business with.
"Coming as it does after the dark days of the last few years, we think the time is now right to show how proud we are of our fantastic city and to celebrate it as we close the door on 2023 and look ahead to 2024 and beyond.
"This in no way means we've forgotten how hard life is for a lot of people just now, but we do know that bringing people together helps - it's what Manchester does best.
"Mancunians really are the best people in the world and we can't think of a better way of welcoming in a new year filled with new possibilities for all of us, than spending it with those we love."
In order to ensure a safe and celebratory event for all attending, security staff will be keeping a close eye on revellers to ensure there is no disruption and that everyone is able to enjoy seeing in New Year together.
Mindful that this part of the city centre also has a growing residential population, they will also be making sure the event arena is promptly cleared and that people leave at the end of the event after the fireworks.
Councillor Pat Karney added: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year's Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in this part of town.
"I will therefore be working closely with local Deansgate councillors and the Castlefield Forum to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for local residents."
The event is being delivered by the city council in partnership with Hits Radio.
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place on the day to facilitate the event.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The following road closures will be in operation. Customer access to all businesses within the closures will be maintained.
Duke Place (Duke St – Arena) 20:30 – 01:00
Rice Street (Duke St – Arena) 20:30 – 00:45 (Resident vehicles managed in and out of closure)
Liverpool Rd (Potato Wharf – Lower Byrom St) 20:30 – 01:00
Duke Street (Stone St – Castle St) 23:00 – 00:45
Beaufort St (Collier St – Duke St) 23:00 – 00:45
Castle St (Car Park – Canal Bridge) 23:00 – 00:30 (restrictions out of car park between 23:30- 00:15)
PARKING BAYS SUSPENDED AND NO WAITING ORDERS:
Liverpool Road – 31st December 4 bays (Bays opposite Potato Wharf/Castlefield Hotel)
Duke Place – 31st December 7 bays
Duke Street 31st December 4 bays
Beaufort Street 31st December 4 bays