Manchester New Year's Eve fireworks at Castlefield Bowl start times, ticket information and road closures

Manchester is to have a New Year’s Eve fireworks event for the first time since Covid to bring in 2024 in style.  The family-friendly free event on December 31 will be held in Castlefield Bowl.

Do you need a ticket to attend Manchester's New Year's Eve fireworks?

The event is completely free but capacity is limited to 10,000 on a first-come, first-served basis.

What time is the event and what entertainment will there be?

Festivities kick off at 10pm and will include a live DJ set from Hits Radio DJ Jordan Lee, a traditional time-to-hug-all-your-friends countdown to midnight, followed by a huge firework display to celebrate the start of the new year. 

What's the best way into the site for the New Year's Eve fireworks?

Pedestrian access into the area will come from Liverpool Road or Duke Street. There are two disability access points - one on Liverpool Road by the Castlefield Visitor Centre and one on Rice Street, along with a dedicated viewing area. Anyone planning to attend the event should note it is a standing room only event and will not be seated.

What can I bring to the New Year's Eve Fireworks?

The event is alcohol-free and anyone attending is asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size.  Bag searches will be in operation.

Are there any road closures in place?

There are several in place around the site until the early evening. The full rundown is here

What's the weather forecast?

Not good, like, really not good. There's a weather warning in place for parts of Greater Manchester for heavy rain with some hail even forecast.

What has Manchester City Council said?

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "No-one can deny that 2023 has proved to be quite the year for Manchester with a list of successes in the fields of culture and sport as long as your arm, added to a rapidly growing global reputation as a city to do business with. Coming as it does after the dark days of the last few years, we think the time is now right to show how proud we are of our fantastic city and to celebrate it as we close the door on 2023 and look ahead to 2024 and beyond.

"This in no way means we've forgotten how hard life is for a lot of people just now, but we do know that bringing people together helps - it's what Manchester does best. Mancunians really are the best people in the world and we can't think of a better way of welcoming in a new year filled with new possibilities for all of us, than spending it with those we love."