Revellers across the country are welcoming in 2011, with Edinburgh and London the centre of celebrations. Around 80,000 people are thought to have attended the traditional Hogmanay party in Edinburgh, while 250,000 partygoers were watching the annual fireworks display in London. Ticket sales for Hogmanay received a late boost thanks to a thaw and warmer weather. Biffy Clyro, The Charlatans and Billy Bragg headlined the event. The night climaxed with massive fireworks spectacular from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. A free eight-minute firework display is being held at the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said 3,000 police officers were on duty and the crowds were larger than last year but there had only five arrests for minor offences. A parade will also be held in the capital later today. In Glasgow, around 5,000 people were toasting the new year with one of Scotland's biggest outdoor ceilidhs, in George Square. Other events are being held in towns and cities across the UK. (Sky News)Saturday 1 January 2011
Britain Welcomes In The New Year
Revellers across the country are welcoming in 2011, with Edinburgh and London the centre of celebrations. Around 80,000 people are thought to have attended the traditional Hogmanay party in Edinburgh, while 250,000 partygoers were watching the annual fireworks display in London. Ticket sales for Hogmanay received a late boost thanks to a thaw and warmer weather. Biffy Clyro, The Charlatans and Billy Bragg headlined the event. The night climaxed with massive fireworks spectacular from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. A free eight-minute firework display is being held at the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said 3,000 police officers were on duty and the crowds were larger than last year but there had only five arrests for minor offences. A parade will also be held in the capital later today. In Glasgow, around 5,000 people were toasting the new year with one of Scotland's biggest outdoor ceilidhs, in George Square. Other events are being held in towns and cities across the UK. (Sky News)