Manchester to see in the New Year with free firework display

Everyone is invited to join in the fun-filled celebrations as the city counts down to 2025 with host for the evening, radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.

A number of temporary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.

Free event

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 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.

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.

Hot drinks and food will be available on site and security staff will be in attendance.

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.

“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.”

Road closures

December 31, 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 December 29, until 6am on January 2

• Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)

Parking suspensions from 6pm on December 30, until 6am on January 1

• 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.

Metrolink

There will be no tram services through St Peter’s Square from 8pm on December 31 until the end of service. Full details of Metrolink’s service and their accessible shuttle bus service can be found at: www.tfgm.com/new-years-eve