Dazzling fireworks at the EDF Energy London Eye signals the start of the Paralympic and Olympic Year
24 Nov 2011
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today confirmed plans for the New Year's Eve fireworks display at the EDF Energy London Eye on the Southbank.
This year's celebrations will have a special significance, marking the start of one of the most momentous years in the capital's history as it hosts the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
'As we begin one of the most extraordinary and exciting years in our great city's history, the sky will light up with a dazzling display of pyrotechnic magic. 2012 will open, not with a timid whimper, but a colourful bang, a noisy clarion call to herald one amazing year.
Londoners know how to celebrate and our fireworks display will be the first in a year long celebration of all things London. From the magic of the Games, to the Diamond Jubilee, to the London 2012 Festival and our own outdoor arts festival, there will be world-class events in every corner of the capital, to create a summer like no other. 2012 will be a year to be confident and ambitious and London will welcome the world with energy and optimism.'
London-based brand experience agency Jack Morton Worldwide will again create and produce the dazzling show, working with British pyrotechnic company Kimbolton Fireworks, which last year was seen by a capacity crowd along the banks of the River Thames as well as being watched by millions more on television in the UK and around the world.
BBC Radio 1's award-winning DJ, Nihal will also be returning to create a live mix of music that will be heard by the crowds along the river in the build up to midnight and has been working in collaboration with the Jack Morton team on the soundtrack that will accompany the stunning display.
The New Year will also see the Mayor launch a new online gateway, where Londoners and visitors to the capital will be able to get information about the vast programme of free events and activity being planned across all 33 boroughs.
Ruth Mackenzie, Director, Cultural Olympiad & London 2012 Festival, said: 'The eyes of the world will be on us in 2012 and through the London 2012 Festival we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the world leading arts and culture in this City and this country.'
The fireworks display is one of the highlights of the festive season and the New Year period. Other attractions include: the Mayor's Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral; dozens of other carol singing events across London; ice-skating at iconic locations throughout the city; the West End Christmas lights; the Norwegian Christmas tree and carols for good causes in Trafalgar Square; the Menorah in Trafalgar Square marking the Jewish festival of Chanukah; and the New Year's Day Parade.
Revellers wishing to see in the New Year in central London are advised to plan ahead and in particular be prepared for large crowds, on the streets and at venues. Many pubs, bars and clubs will be ticketed with advance booking required.
The fireworks display is enormously popular, attracting large crowds who have a long wait in the designated viewing areas along the Thames. There is limited space and these fill up early, by 9pm or 10pm, and access to each zone will be closed as soon as it is full. Due to the crowds and waiting time people with young children may wish to consider celebrating the New Year nearer to home.
Public transport will be the best way to get around the capital on New Year's Eve. Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London will run all night. Night and 24 hour bus routes will run as normal, but there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from around 5pm to around 3am on New Year's morning because of road closures.
There will be free travel on all journeys on the Tube, DLR, buses and trams from 11:45pm until 4:30am. Please plan your return journey in advance and be patient if your return journey involves queuing before boarding your train, bus or tram.
More information can be found at www.london.gov.uk/nye. Information about events and attractions throughout Christmas and into New Year can be found at www.visitlondon.com. Information to help you plan your journey over the same period will be available at www.tfl.gov.uk.