Last year we did not have an official New Year event in the city centre and it was very disappointing but thankfully this year we've been able to come up with a solution.
The family friendly, alcohol-free party will be the first New Year's Eve event since 31 December 2010 after external funding was secured to ensure that Manchester's New Year celebrations go with a bang rather than a damp squib.
The climax to Manchester's New Year's Eve event, in association with Confidential's good friends, the Manchester Evening News, will be a 10 minute fireworks display after the traditional New Year's countdown led by a Manchester resident chosen by the MEN in recognition of their example this year.
We reckon it's going to be Gordo.
The viewing area in Albert Square will be open from 11pm on New Year's Eve, Monday 31 December for people to soak in the atmosphere before fireworks at midnight to welcome in the New Year in Manchester. There will be music from 11pm with people who know the moves invited to teach others in the crowd so everyone can join in a mass Gangnam Style dance.
The event is unticketed and free, but entry to the square will be controlled for safety reasons.
People attending the event are being reminded not to bring their own fireworks.
Along with New Year's celebration, a variety of city centre locations will host a selection of fairground rides until Sunday 6 January, 2013. The fireworks event is being funded through fees from hosting the fairground.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council's city centre spokesman, said: "Last year we did not have an official New Year event in the city centre and it was very disappointing but thankfully this year we've been able to come up with a solution. We believe we are the only major English city outside London to have a fireworks display to welcome in 2013 so it's especially good news.
"We hope that if you're in the city on New Year's Eve you'll pop down with your family and friends, soak up the atmosphere and be part of the crowd. The fireworks, as always, are going to be jaw dropping – the perfect way to see in the New Year and a fitting finale to the festive period in a city that really knows how to enjoy itself."
