Manchester to ring in 2025 with 'firework spectacular' in St Peter's Square
The free event has capacity for 20,000 people
Manchester is set to say goodbye in style to 2024 and welcome in the New Year with a fantastic free firework spectacular in St Peter's Square, which will see fireworks let off from the roof of the city's iconic Central Library building.
This year's family-friendly end of the year celebration marks the first time St Peter's Square has been used for the New Year countdown event, which takes place from 10 pm - 12:30 am on Tuesday 31 December, and the first-time ever that New Year fireworks have been let off from the roof of Manchester Central Library.
With capacity for around 20,000 people, anyone attending the free event is asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size. Bag searches will be in operation at each of the multiple entrances into the event space.
Expect high spirits and party tunes in the run-up to the midnight countdown and fireworks, but New Year revellers should also note this is a family friendly event and alcohol is not permitted.
Anyone planning to attend the event should be aware that it is a standing room only event and will not be seated.
There will however be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Owing to the nature of the event, visitors should expect bright lights and loud noises.
A limited amount of unreserved accessible event parking will be available on Mount Street.
Portaloo toilet facilities, including accessible toilets will be available on site and the Lloyd Street public toilets will remain open until 1 am.
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.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there's no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we've just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year's Eve is going to be fantastic - a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can't wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Mindful that the city centre has a growing residential population, event staff will be making sure St Peter's Square is cleared and that people leave promptly at the end of the event once the fireworks are over.
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 town.
"I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents."
Important road closures and event information
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures - 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
There will be no tram services through St Peter's Square from 20:00 on 31 December until the end of service.