Manchester to welcome in 2026 with two city centre events this New Year’s Eve – including free firework and light spectacular
Street scene at night looking towards Manchester’s iconic circular Central Library building with a big Santa figure sitting on top of a huge green square-shaped present – both Santa and the present are illuminated with twinkling lights
Manchester is set to welcome in the New Year in style this year in a night that will for the first time see events taking place in two of its most historic city centre squares, and including a fantast
For the first time ever Mancunians are being given the pick of two different events to enjoy with their families and friends as the city counts down to the new year, with events being held on both Albert Square and St Peter’s Square.
St Peter’s Square will be the place to be for firework fans with a DJ-led family friendly event hosted by BBC Radio Manchester presenter Joe McGrath, with DJ Jimmy the Gent spinning the tunes.
Expect high spirits and party tunes in the run-up to the traditional midnight countdown, which will be followed on the stroke of twelve by a not-to-be-missed firework and light display off the roof of Manchester’s iconic Central Library building.
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 however 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 an absolute foodie fest, plus seasonal tipples from stalls that have had the crowds packing out the square every day since Manchester’s legendary Christmas markets opened back in November.
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, those with a head for heights can swap a view of midnight fireworks for a view instead from the top of the big wheel, of the rooftops of Manchester and beyond as the city and its neighbours bring in the new year.
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 12:30 am.
Those wanting to join in with the celebrations on either Albert Square or St Peter’s Square should note that the number of people on both squares will be strictly controlled and once each space reaches capacity no further entry will be allowed.
There will be no direct walk-through between the two squares. Entry into one of the squares will not guarantee entry into the other square once capacity is reached.
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.
In order to ensure safe and celebratory events for all attending, security staff will be keeping a close eye on revellers to make sure there is no disruption and that everyone is able to enjoy seeing in the New Year together.
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!”
Event staff will be working hard throughout the event and afterwards to make sure that both squares are cleared and people leave promptly once the events are over.
Councillor Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve in Manchester, including our city centre residents and those working in businesses near to Albert Square and St Peter’s Square. I’ll therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance to those living and working in the vicinity.”
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.
New Year’s Eve
Road Closures
1pm 31 December 2025 – 2am 1 January 2026
Library Walk (St Peter’s Square to Mount Street)
7.30pm 31 December 2025 – 2am, 1 January 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 31 December 2025 – 2am 1 January 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 27 December 2025 – 9am 2 January 2026
Mount Street (4 accessible bays closest to Central Library loading bay)
6pm 30 December 2025 – 6am 2 January 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.
