London plans world class New Year's Eve fireworks

Press Release

London plans world class New Year's Eve fireworks
30-12-2005 655

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, is urging Londoners to take account of the cold and carefully plan how to get home after celebrating New Year's Eve

Speaking today, the Mayor said:

'New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate life and look forward to the year ahead. Free travel and all-night transport, which is free after 11.45pm, make it possible for many thousands more people than would otherwise be possible to enjoy a great night out in one of the world's greatest cities.

'Last year's fireworks won acclaim as amongst the best in the world. We are planning a great show again this year, which will be big enough, and loud enough, to be seen from high ground, balconies and gardens all over the capital – and failing that on the BBC at midnight.

'We all hope that the RMT will call off its threat to strike, and whatever happens please remember that the weather will be very cold, so if you are going out for the evening make sure that you have carefully planned how you intend to get home. Details of public transport will be broadcast on radio and TV throughout the day or you can visit Transport for London's website at www.tfl.gov.uk.

FIREWORKS AT THE LONDON EYE
Following on from last year's award-winning display, it is again being produced by Jack Morton Worldwide, who also produced and staged the opening and closing ceremonies for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

8pm – 11:55pm
Heroes in London - images projected onto the Shell Building, plus lighting on the British Airways London Eye and a wash of colour lighting on County Hall.

11:55pm - 11:59pm
5-minute countdown will begin with lighting effects on the British Airways London Eye and County Hall.

11:59pm – MIDNIGHT
There will be a 60 second countdown on the Shell Building, as well as lighting effects on the British Airways London Eye and County Hall.

MIDNIGHT
A pyrotechnic and lighting display at the British Airways London Eye and from the river.

Notes to Editors

The display is one of the hundreds of activities taking place in the capital on New Year's Eve, with Londoners and visitors enjoying late night bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as private parties, right across the capital. For information about activities throughout December and January, including the Christmas and New Year period go to www.visitlondon.com.
To help you plan your journey use the journey planner on the Transport for London website at www.tfl.gov.uk. For information on National Rail services on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, call 08457 484 950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Last year's display, produced and staged by Jack Morton Worldwide, was judged the Best Celebration event of the year in the annual events industry awards organised by Event Magazine.
At 135m, British Airways London Eye is the world's largest observation wheel and the UK's most popular paid-for attraction. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and has won over 40 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement. Since 2000, it has attracted over 20 million visitors and is operated by The Tussauds Group.