At Birchall we love to celebrate New Years Eve. It’s a great time to be thankful for the year that’s been and look forward to the year to come. Surrounded by friends and family it can be a very special time of year. But what should you do? Should you celebrate at home or head out to one of the many great free events across the country? If it’s the later, we’re here to provide some useful information on our favourite free celebrations you can enjoy this year!
London
London’s South bank is a great spot throughout December with its Christmas market, however, on New Years Eve it becomes the ideal place to enjoy all of London’s most famous icons. The pubs and restaurants that face the Thames provide a cheerful place to build up to the big countdown. If you can pull yourself away from the bar, walk over to big ben for the most famous of midnight countdowns. As the clock strikes 12 a spectacular fireworks display to rival any in the world begins with the London eye as its focal point. It’s truly a memorable experience for all ages!
Hogmanay Edinburgh
Edinburgh has long been regarded as one of the best places to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Its gothic architecture lit up with beautiful Christmas lights provides the quintessential Christmas backdrop that puts everybody in the party mood. This party atmosphere peaks on New Years Eve with their Hogmanay party. Featuring some of the worlds best bands, DJ’s and performance, it is a street festival to rival any in the world. For more information visit, http://edinburghshogmanay.com
Cardiff
Skate in the New Year with a midnight session on the ice rink at Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland or celebrate from on high with a stately spin on the big wheel. Before you strap on your skates get along to Cardiff Castle for the family fire show. Get there from 6pm to see fire sculptures, flame machines and some thunderous fireworks.
St Ives Cornwall
The small Cornish town of St Ives has deservedly built up quite a reputation as one of the best places in the country (if not the world!) to celebrate New Year’s Eve! Thousands of people, traditionally sporting all kinds of fancy dress, flood the small town and often overflow onto the beach. Street parties and fireworks generate an electric atmosphere as everyone is busy enjoying themselves. It really is an occasion not to miss. Children, too, will love being surrounded by their favourite superheroes and cartoon characters, or at least their real world fancy dress equivalents!
Northumberland
The ordinarily quiet rural town of Allendale in Northumberland is the unassuming location of a New Year’s celebration with a difference. Men with blackened faces, known as ‘guisers’, bear flaming barrels of tar through the town, tossing them onto a ceremonial bonfire creating an awesome spectacle. A fantastic event for the whole family – it’ll certainly be a New Year’s Eve to remember!
