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New Year's Eve 2017: UK prepares to celebrate despite storm and strikes | New Year's Eve 2017: UK prepares to celebrate despite storm and strikes |
(35 minutes later) | |
The UK is preparing to bid farewell to 2017 and see in the new year with parties, fireworks and fizz. | The UK is preparing to bid farewell to 2017 and see in the new year with parties, fireworks and fizz. |
There are warnings, however, that celebrations could be scuppered by travel disruption and stormy weather. | There are warnings, however, that celebrations could be scuppered by travel disruption and stormy weather. |
Storm Dylan is forecast to bring high winds to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland but Hogmanay organisers in Edinburgh say it will still go ahead. | Storm Dylan is forecast to bring high winds to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland but Hogmanay organisers in Edinburgh say it will still go ahead. |
Meanwhile, a 24-hour rail strike could cause delays for partygoers travelling in or out of London's Waterloo. | Meanwhile, a 24-hour rail strike could cause delays for partygoers travelling in or out of London's Waterloo. |
In central London, rain should hold off for the New Year's Eve firework display, expected to be watched by more than 100,000 ticket holders from the banks of the River Thames. | In central London, rain should hold off for the New Year's Eve firework display, expected to be watched by more than 100,000 ticket holders from the banks of the River Thames. |
The soundtrack will be dominated by female artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ariana Grande and Florence Welch, to mark the centenary of women getting the vote. | The soundtrack will be dominated by female artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ariana Grande and Florence Welch, to mark the centenary of women getting the vote. |
At midnight, Big Ben will chime again, having been turned back on over the festive period. | At midnight, Big Ben will chime again, having been turned back on over the festive period. |
Some 10,000 fireworks will then light up the sky in a 12-minute display. | Some 10,000 fireworks will then light up the sky in a 12-minute display. |
This year fewer Met Police officers will be working during the celebrations, despite four terror attacks in the city in the past year. | This year fewer Met Police officers will be working during the celebrations, despite four terror attacks in the city in the past year. |
Superintendent Nick Aldworth said: "We are providing a proportionate number of officers based on the threat, number of people coming and the secure environment we've been able to build." | Superintendent Nick Aldworth said: "We are providing a proportionate number of officers based on the threat, number of people coming and the secure environment we've been able to build." |
In Edinburgh, up to 150,000 people will gather for Hogmanay, one of the world's biggest street parties. | In Edinburgh, up to 150,000 people will gather for Hogmanay, one of the world's biggest street parties. |
The worst of the storm was expected to hit the city before the party kicks off at 19:00 GMT. | The worst of the storm was expected to hit the city before the party kicks off at 19:00 GMT. |
Around lunchtime, police had to close Princes Street to pedestrians after parts of a stage were blown over in high winds, it is understood. | Around lunchtime, police had to close Princes Street to pedestrians after parts of a stage were blown over in high winds, it is understood. |
Ambulance crews are preparing for a busy night, with the South Western Ambulance Service saying it expected demand to rise on New Year's Eve. | Ambulance crews are preparing for a busy night, with the South Western Ambulance Service saying it expected demand to rise on New Year's Eve. |
The service, which covers from Cornwall to South Gloucestershire, said it has extra staff working and every vehicle in use. | The service, which covers from Cornwall to South Gloucestershire, said it has extra staff working and every vehicle in use. |
The Welsh Ambulance Service has also urged people to think twice before phoning 999, after calls were made for colds and stomach ache over Christmas. | |
Sunday's walkout by Rail, Maritime and Transport members on South Western Railway and CrossCountry networks is expected to cause delays and cancellations, including at Waterloo, the UK's busiest station. | |
The union says it is striking over concerns about rosters, Sunday working and guards - but the government has accused members of causing misery for passengers. | The union says it is striking over concerns about rosters, Sunday working and guards - but the government has accused members of causing misery for passengers. |