Tens of thousands turn out to celebrate New Year in Manchester with spectacular firework display

People turned out in their tens of thousands tonight to help Manchester celebrate the New Year which was ushered in with Ferris Wheel rides and a spectacular fireworks and light display.

Over 20,000 people joined in the celebrations with New Year revellers in the city spoilt for choice this year with not one but two events taking place in two of Manchester's most historic city centre squares.

A packed St Peter's Square saw BBC Radio Manchester presenter Joe McGrath host a family friendly night of music and fun in the run-up to midnight, followed by a fabulous 8-minute firework and laser display that began on the stroke of midnight with a mega-burst of confetti that was blasted New York style from on high over the heads of everyone watching, before cascading gently down to the delight of the crowds.

After a sensational summer of live music in the city that saw 1.4 million music fans descend on the city for a setlist of live gigs headlined by the return of Burnage boys Oasis, it was perhaps only fitting also that the 8-minute firework and light spectacular was soundtracked by a medley of songs that included classic crowd-pleaser Manchester anthem Champagne Supernova by Oasis.

Over on Albert Square revellers were treated to all the fun of the fair including midnight rides on Manchester's giant festive Ferris Wheel - the biggest mobile wheel in the country - alongside an absolute foodie fest plus seasonal tipples from stalls that have had the crowds thronging to the square every day since mid-November through Christmas.

With a host of independent craft stalls on the square as well as selfie spots galore throughout to backdrop the all-important countdown to 2026 for socials, Albert Square was teeming with people all day and all night until well past midnight making the most of everything on offer.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "What a fantastic New Year's Eve! We all know how much Mancunians love to get together and celebrate and tonight has been a party of epic proportions as we welcome in 2026.

"Manchester is without doubt the best city in the world with the most incredible people in it - talented, hard-working, full of fun and generous to a fault.

"Happy New Year from all of us here in Manchester to everyone else near and far.

"And wherever you are in the world tonight, here's to a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026 with only good things in it for all of us. Come and visit us soon!"