A spectacular New Year's Eve firework display is set to once again light up the night sky over Manchester with the city's first such celebration event since Covid. The FREE fireworks and countdown party will take place on Sunday, December 31 at a new location in the city centre.
Everyone is invited to the family-friendly event which will be held at Castlefield Bowl, with pedestrian access into the event area from Liverpool Road or Duke Street. The venue is known for hosting open-air live music events in the summer.
Manchester Council has today confirmed the details of what it says will be a "fun-filled event" with entry from 10pm. It 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.
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Revellers should note however that it is an alcohol-free event and no booze will be available to be purchased inside Anyone attending is asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size as bag searches will be in operation.
The last time fireworks were held in the city centre was 2019, when they were at the far end of Deansgate by Manchester Cathedral. Before then, the traditonal New Year's party was hosted on Albert Square, in front of the Town Hall, which remains under wraps for extensive refurbishment.
Castlefield Bowl features an outdoor arena with steps cut into the hillside under a covered canopy area, although the majority of the site is open to the elements. The area hosts the popular Sound of the City series of gigs in July each year.
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The capacity for the New Year's event is for up to 10,000 revellers on a first come, first served basis. There will be hot food and drink vendors inside, but no alcohol on sale.
There will be two disabled access entrance points, on Liverpool Road and Rice Street. There's also a dedicated viewing area inside the event for people with disabilities, although there won't be any seating.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester Council, had confrirmed the return of the fireworks to the MEN last week. He said at the time: "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."
The council says that 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.
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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 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. There will also be a number of temporary road closures to facilitate the event, listed below.
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