Mayor Boris Johnson has promised Londoners a “spectacular” New Year’s Eve fireworks display to cap what he said had been a triumphant 12 months for the capital.
More than 200,000 revellers are expected to fill designated viewing areas along the Thames for what will be the UK’s biggest fireworks event while tens of thousands more will flood into other venues across the capital.
The display will be broadcast live on BBC and will take the theme of the events of the past 12 months, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mr Johnson said: “As we welcomed the world to the magnificent celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the glorious success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, London was at its very best.
“From the thrilling sporting action to the breathtaking cultural celebrations, it has been an unforgettable year and I am immensely proud of the contribution that our ambassadors made. As we go into 2013 with a spectacular fireworks display I hope we can build on that energy and enthusiasm to make ours the best big city in the world.”
Tube, bus, DLR, tram and some overground rail services will run all night for the event and travel will be free between 11.45pm and 4.30am, sponsored by drinks giant Diageo. The display will centre on the London Eye and is being organised by events agency Jack Morton Worldwide.
Organisers warned people to arrive at the designated viewing areas early as they are expected to be at capacity by as early as 9pm.
The following day more than 10,000 performers will take part in the 27th annual New Year’s Day parade, starting in Piccadilly at 11.45am.
