There might not have been the traditional fireworks display, but New Year's Eve still went off with a bang in Manchester. The traditional pyrotechnics display was axed this year, yet another victim of funding cuts, but the thousands of party-goers who descended on the city centre weren't going to let that spoil their night.
After another tumultuous 12 months Mancunians were determined to let their hair down and see in the new year in style. And that's exactly what they did.
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Despite the downpours pubs, bars and club across the Gay Village, Northern Quarter and Deansgate Locks were rammed, with the queue for a 90s dance night at Albert Hall on Peter Street snaking down the road and around the corner. There was also a full house at Escape to Freight Island where DJs Greg Wilson and Jaguar Skills were the headline acts, and Bundobust on Oxford Street, where a Bollywood party was the order of the night.
Hundreds gathered in Piccadilly Gardens for the big moment. Those in attendance were asked to switch on their phone torches and cheers rang out as the countdown began on a big screen.
And as the clock struck midnight there was actually a small, unannounced fireworks display, and Auld Lang Syne played over the PA as friends and loved ones hugged. City centre spokesperson Pat Karney said: "Thank you to everyone who braved the horrible weather to join the party. The atmosphere was magnificent and we did Manchester proud."
But it also looked like being disappointment for many who didn't make it inside the event, with the queue for entry just 15 minutes before midnight reaching all the way to the old Debenhams
And the celebrations weren't just confined to the city centre. The party started early at the Shiredale in Harpurhey, where regular Jimmy Pearson was raising a glass to the new year.
He said: "There’s always lots of nice people around and there is a fantastic atmosphere. We are going to have lots of fun and without any trouble - that’s the main thing. I’m happy to be in my local pub. Happy New Year to everyone."
But of course the new year is also a time for reflection and remembering loved ones.
At Stockport's Chestergate pub 81-year-old regular Molly Web b saw in 2023 sat next to a cushion with the face of her late husband Brian on it. Brian died seven years ago, but the couple always celebrated New Year's Eve so now Molly brings out the cushion every year to remember him by. "I bring my husband out with me every year as it was always a special night for us," she said.
"We'd always leave wherever we were at about 11.50pm and say 'Happy new year' to each other before going back in. I always have him by my side."
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