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Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
And it's FREE!
Daisy Jackson -
20th December 2024 
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
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.”
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll 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.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
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 for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
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)
Accessible parking
- Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Read more
- The UK’s much-loved ‘day rave’ with Vicky and Jon McClure returns to Manchester for New Year’s Eve
- 10 of the best new bars and restaurants to open in Greater Manchester in 2024
- An adorable new Jellycat store has just opened in Manchester
Featured image: Unsplash, Chris Curry
