Happy New Year From The London Mayor

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Welcome 2010 in with a bang!

 

As people across London prepare to celebrate New Year's Eve, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has organised a fireworks display at the London Eye, which will bring in 2010 in spectacular style.

Large crowds will gather along the banks of the River Thames to watch the display, with millions more seeing it live on BBC One, as well as television viewers around the world. For those at the river, music in the build up to midnight will be mixed live by Radio One's award winning DJ Nihal.

The Mayor Boris Johnson said:

'London will bring in 2010 with a bang, a glittering explosion across the midnight sky. We want to show to the world that we are looking forward to the future with the optimism and energy that characterises our capital and makes it the most exciting city on earth. The fireworks are part of a dazzling range of attractions all across the capital over the festive season. For visitors and Londoners alike, there is something for everyone, from Christmas trees and sparkling lights, to carol concerts and ice-skating at iconic locations.'

New Year's Eve revellers are advised to plan ahead. Many venues, such as pubs, bars and clubs, are likely to be ticketed with advance booking. Space in viewing areas along the Thames to watch the fireworks will be limited, but the display will of course be broadcast live on television.

Public transport will be the best way to get about, with all night and free travel on offer. Tube, DLR, tram and bus services will run all night, including free travel from 11:45pm to 4:30am.

In central London Tube travellers should look out for station closures and exit only arrangements. Many roads in the centre will be closed to cars. Night and 24 hour bus routes will run as normal, but due to road closures there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from around 7pm on New Year's Eve to around 3am.

However, bus services on the night will be enhanced with 55 routes running throughout the night, which normally only run during the day. Mainly in the suburbs, these bus services will be able to pick up passengers at the end of Tube lines and at National Rail stations.

Selected National Rail services in Greater London will also run through the night. Free travel will operate on Southern train services from Victoria to East Croydon via Selhurst (every 20 minutes).

More information can be found at www.london.gov.uk. 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.

 

December 30th, 2009