City bans public New Year's Eve celebration over binge drinking fears

As most other cities mark the start of 2008 with parties and public event the streets of Manchester will remain quiet.

Council chiefs have decided not arranged a fireworks display or official celebration for the hundreds expected to gather under the town hall clock in Albert Square at midnight.

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The Labour Councillor, responsible for the city centre, said there could be no party unless there was a "cultural revolution" in attitudes towards alcohol.

Councillor Pat Karney, who is celebrating New Year in Berlin, said: "It's a shame. Most European cities have fantastic New Year's celebrations, but there would have to be a cultural revolution for this to happen here.

"The combination of alcohol and large crowds of people doesn't work in Britain on New Year's Eve."

Cities throughout Britain are hosting New Year celebrations tonight. Liverpool will mark the start of its year as European Capital of Culture with a record-breaking peal of bells from both cathedrals.

About 400,000 people are expected to celebrate in London, where there will be a traditional firework display.

In Edinburgh, where Hogmanay celebrations are a landmark event, more than 100,000 people are expected to crowd the city centre for a street bash featuring music and a spectacular firework display.

Organisers also operate a free late bus service to ensure revellers can return home safely.

In Newcastle, a council-backed firework night will feature live music, entertainers and funfair rides.

A fleet of decorated cars, including surreal milk floats and a fire-breathing vehicle, will take part in a parade around the city.

In Leeds, a carnival and fireworks extravaganza is being staged by the city council. A number of club and music nights are also being held.

A free pyrotechnic show featuring dancers and acrobats is at Cardiff Castle.

But those who visit Albert Square, Manchester, will have nothing but the town hall clock for company at the stroke of midnight.

There was disappointment among revellers at the start of 2007, with some saying the lack of an official display made Manchester look second rate.

Phil Burke, a spokesman for the Manchester Pub and Club Network, said: "About 15,000 people will be in Manchester to celebrate New Year and it's quite annoying that there is no official firework display.

"The city is good at celebrating other events, so why can't it do something for New Year? If other cities can do it, then surely the city council needs to get its act together and put something on."

Manchester Lib Dem leader, Coun Simon Ashley, said: "We do so much to attract people into the city for Christmas that it seems inconsistent that we don't do anything for New Year.

"I think there should be a review, at least to see if it's feasible."