Manchester New Year Firework Display Draws Thousands Despite Rain
Thousands of brave Mancunians battled the wind and rain to watch a dazzling fireworks display to mark the start of a new year in St Peter’s Square, Manchester City Centre on 01 January 2025. The city’s New Year’s celebrations were held at St Peter’s Square for the first time ever, with the central library serving as the launch site for the pyrotechnics.
Weather Threats and Council Decision
The rain did little to break the spirits of the attendees, despite unrelenting showers from late afternoon into the early hours of the morning. Many major cities, including Newcastle and Edinburgh, had canceled their New Year’s Eve events due to weather warnings. However, Manchester decided to press on with the celebrations despite the adverse conditions, advising attendees to bundle up and bring waterproofs.
Personal Stories from Attendees
Damandu and his friends Kit and Nat, who traveled two hours to Manchester for the firework display, expressed their excitement for the event. Kit shared that fireworks are always magical and a great way to end the year, emphasizing the importance of being present for the celebration, rain or shine.
Entertainment Amidst the Rain
As attendees lined St Peter’s Square, Luke, a 32-year-old music enthusiast, took it upon himself to entertain the crowd with an impromptu drum and bass set. His goal was to lift spirits and spread cheer on New Year’s Eve, despite the challenging weather conditions.
Unique Viewing Spots
Abi from Cardiff and his friends sought refuge from the rain under a building ledge to watch the fireworks display comfortably. Although the weather posed challenges, attendees like Abi were thrilled to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Manchester for the first time.
Council Expectations and Turnout
The council anticipated around 20,000 attendees for the event, but the turnout was halved due to the heavy rain. Despite the weather, over 10,000 people flocked to St Peter’s Square with umbrellas in hand, determined to welcome the new year with enthusiasm and positivity.
Atmosphere and Celebrations
Radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath energized the crowd with music and chants, fostering a lively atmosphere despite the rain. Attendees engaged in ‘brolly’ dances and enthusiastically counted down to midnight, cheering and admiring the firework display with unwavering spirits.
Conclusion
The New Year firework display in Manchester exemplified the city’s resilience and festive spirit, with attendees embracing the rain and celebrating the start of 2025 with joy and togetherness. As local councillor Pat Karney aptly put it, “Only in Manchester.”
