Top 10 New Year's Eve Parties In The UK
New Year's Eve - a chance for everyone to be merry, tell people awkward secrets, reflect on our choices, make a few more bad ones and then try not to regret it in the morning. It's a great night and once-in-a-year opportunity to have some fun on the eve of a bank holiday.
10. Fancy Dress In Newquay
It's local custom for party goers to get dressed up for New Year's Eve and take to the streets, where you will find one of the most festive New Year's Eve scenes. The local pubs, restaurants and clubs are ready for the big night, offering great specials on food and booze for the thirsty crowds. There is a midnight fireworks show to celebrate the start of the year, but this is by no means the end of the night - the party goes on until the wee hours of the morning at the clubs in town.
9. Allendale Tar Bar'l Ceremony, Northumberland
The pretty little town of Allendale blazes into the new year (literally) with a fire festival that lights up the midnight night sky. The local townsmen, or "guisers", march towards a ceremonial bonfire carrying whiskey barrels filled with burning bar, clad in Pagan costumes and chanting "Be Damned to He Who Throws Last". As they toss the barrels into the bonfires, the flames get wilder and the cheers get louder. It's an incredible spectacle and a great night for everybody in the town.
8. Cosy In The Lake District
Winter in the Lake District is icy and beautiful, offering a different side of the country to the crowded summer scene. Spending a Christmas/New Year's holiday in one of the smaller, traditional inns will charm your socks off with the personal touches, excellent food and fresh air. It might be chilly, but on clear days you can still go outside and explore the region's famous hillsides. On New Year's Eve, the local taverns are cosy and warm, with a smaller crowd that gets downright festive as the night rolls on.
For a great selection of cottages and the New Year's Eve party plan at the Kings Head Hotel & Inn, take a look at www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk
7. The Bristol Experience
Bristol is a pretty lively town at the quietest of times, but over New Year's Eve it puts its best dancing shoes on and cuts loose. The city opens itself up to thousands on December 31, with pubs and restaurants offering a wide selection of live music and DJ's to keep everyone happy until the morning. Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure you book in advance, because everything will be booked up. For a full list of what is going on in Bristol, check out www.headfirstbristol.co.uk.
6. Back To The Future At Bo Nanafana, Norwich
Bo Nanafana are known for throwing outrageous theme parties that get the stiffest customers rocking out on the dance floor all night long. On New Year's Eve they raise the bar a light year or two higher. This year the theme is Back To The Future, which features the best music and outfits from the 50's and 80's.
5. London's Most Famous Icons In One Place
New Year's eve at London's South Bank is festive in a way you don't see for 363 days of the year (Christmas is pretty close). The pubs and restaurants that face the Thames are full and cheerful, as people prepare to bid the previous year adieu. Towards midnight, everyone makes their way over to the footpath for Big Ben's countdown to midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the UK begins on another one of the city's most recognisable structures: The London Eye.
4. Cardiff's Winter Wonderland
Last month we featured Cardiff's Winter Wonderland in the Top 10 Outdoor Ice Rinks, and this month we're going back there for a New Year's Eve party that will rock your socks off. The Admiral open air ice rink sets the scene for what promises to be a night of good times and bright lights. There is live music from 9pm onwards, as well as a FREE bus service provided by Admiral, so that everyone can have fun and get home safely.
3. Edinburgh's Hogmanay
The is a reason Edinburgh was voted our number 1 city in the UK for Christmas - there is something about the city's gothic architecture being lit up by sparkling lights that puts people in a good mood. That same positivity is radiated on New Year's Eve, and there is no better way to celebrate it than by showing face at Edinburgh's Hogmanay - a three day street party that showcases some of the best international music acts.
"Edinburgh is the Home of Hogmanay, and we are delighted to welcome so many visitors from Scotland, the UK and around the world to celebrate with us and share the very best Scottish hospitality to welcome 2012". These are the words of Frances Sutton, Edinburgh's Hogmanay Press Manager. This year, expect Primal Scream, Mark Ronson, Friendly Fires and Bombay Bicycle Club. www.edinburghshogmanay.com
2. Your Own Home
Nothing really beats a big night in with your good friends and family, in the comfort of your own home. For one thing, it's going to be cheaper than any pub or club, and you won't have to worry about driving after a few glasses of cava too many. As the night winds down towards midnight, there's no risk of losing your party members (unless you've had about twenty glasses of cava too many) and getting home through the traffic is not your problem.
1. London Icons Revisited By Water
The MV Pride Of London, a fully licensed river cruiser that is practically a floating mansion, offers party goers one of the best views of the proceedings from its spacious foredeck. This beautiful vessel takes its passengers on a slow, relaxing cruise before pulling up next to Big Ben, giving you full viewing pleasure of the firework displays that celebrate moving into 2012. Enjoy unlimited drinks, finger buffets, dancing on the upper deck and an overall awe-inspiring view of the city.