Everything you need to know about Manchester’s New Year’s Eve fireworks

For the first time ever, two of Manchester’s historic city centre squares are set to host New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a free firework display and a ‘light spectacular’.

St Peter’s Square will see a family-friendly event hosted by BBC Radio Manchester presenter Joe McGrath, with DjJ Jimmy the Gent spinning tunes, before midnight fireworks light upt he sky above the iconic Central Library at midnight.

The alcohol-free event kicks off at 10 pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square, with bag searches in operation. Hot drinks and food snacks will be available.

Anyone planning to attend should be aware that it is a standing-room-only event and will not be seated.  There will also be a managed, designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.  The nearest entry point for this area will be on Dickinson Street, next to Anthologist bar.

Over on Albert Square, meanwhile, New Year revellers will be able to experience all the fun of the fair, including Manchester’s giant festive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country – alongside a foodie fest, plus seasonal tipples from stalls that have had the crowds packing out the square since the return of the Christmas markets back in November.

Open throughout the day as usual on New Year’s Eve, entry into Albert Square will continue to be allowed throughout the evening on a controlled basis using the existing entry points until it reaches capacity.  The event will end at 12:30am.

People attending either of the two events are asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size and no glass is allowed.  Bag searches will be in operation at each of the entrances into both Albert Square and St Peter’s Square. Visitors should also note that guide dogs only will be allowed on St Peter’s Square.

Portaloo toilet facilities, including accessible toilets, will be available on St Peter’s Square, and the Lloyd Street public toilets serving both squares will also remain open until 1 am.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.

“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan it promises to be a brilliant night out.

“So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”

A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be in place in the run-up to and on the day itself to ensure both events can safely go ahead.

Road Closures

1pm Wed 31 Dec 2025 – 2am Thu 1 Jan 2026
Library Walk (St Peter’s Square to Mount Street)

7.30pm Wed 31 Dec 2025 –  2am, Thu 1 Jan 2026
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)

9pm Wed 31 Dec 2025 – 2am Thu 1 Jan 2026
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickinson Street)

Parking Suspensions

9am Sat 27 Dec 2025 – 9am Fri 2 Jan 2026
Mount Street (4 accessible bays closest to Central Library loading bay)

6pm Tue 30 Dec 2025 – 6am Fri 2 Jan 2026
Peter Street (Lower Mosley Street to Mount Street)
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street) for accessible parking
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square
Dickenson Street (Portland Street to Back George Street) for accessible parking
Bootle Street (Mount Street to Southmill Street)
Central Street (Mount Street to Southmill Street)

Inaccessible Taxi Ranks

Peter Street (outside The Midland)

Metrolink
No trams will travel through St Peter’s Square after 9pm. For more information and to plan your journey visit tfgm.com/new-years-eve

Accessible parking
A limited amount of unreserved accessible event parking will be available on Dickinson Street (George Street to Portland Street) and George Street (between Princess Street and Dickinson Street). The nearest entrance to the event site is on Dickinson Street next to Anthologist bar.