No matter where you are in the country on the evening of December 31^st, you’re practically guaranteed to see the sky lit up by colourful fireworks. An explosive, vibrant and ear-ringing display is the perfect way to celebrate the year gone by and ring in the new one, but where will you be watching a fireworks display this NYE?

Here’s our guide to the best towns and cities in the UK to celebrate the New Year with fireworks:

– Edinburgh. This historic city is the perfect place to ring in 2015, particularly because of the amazing fireworks displays over the Scottish capital’s centuries-old gothic landmarks, including the iconic castle. The city is lit up to perfection, the fireworks are amongst the best in the country and the evening itself is packed full of arts and culture, including a Concert in the Gardens featuring pop star Lily Allen. If you’ve never visited the city, the annual Hogmanay Street Party is the ideal time to go, but be prepared to stay up late – the celebrations usually go on well into the early hours of January 1^st. It may be chilly, but Edinburgh really does know how to party.

 

– London. The nation’s capital would normally top the list of best fireworks displays in the UK, as each year is more spectacular than the year before. However, this year is the first to charge for tickets, which were difficult to obtain and have now sold out – which is why London has been pipped to the post in our list. However, fireworks in London on NYE remain a huge attraction, whether viewed from the London Eye or along the banks of the Thames. There are also hundreds if not thousands of smaller fireworks parties and celebrations taking place across the city, so all you’ll really need to do is look up at the sky (whether you have a ticket for the official celebrations or not).

 

– Bideford. This unassuming port town in North Devon may not immediately spring to mind when you think of New Year’s party destinations, but it is set to host one of the most original and exciting celebrations this year. Along with a spectacular fireworks and laser light display, all part of the town’s Festival of Light, there are lots of other wacky and wonderful events taking place. All party-goers are encouraged to turn up in fancy dress, an X-Factor star is expected to perform, and the locals will even be attempting to break a world record for the longest conga line on roller skates. At midnight, party goers can also take part in a long-held tradition in Bideford – making it all the way across the long bridge before the chimes run out.

 

– Newcastle. This year’s NYE celebrations in the northern city of Newcastle are family-friendly, with live music, dancing and Winter Festival processions. Newcastle will also be celebrating its role as a host city for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, so expect many of the floats in the parade to have a rugby theme. What’s more, for the first time in the city, there will be an unforgettable fireworks show on the quayside when the clock strikes midnight.

 

– Cardiff. Wales’ capital city makes it onto the list of best NYE fireworks year after year, and for very good reason. This famous party city celebrates Calennig, the Welsh name for New Year’s Eve, in serious style. As well as an authentic Alpine Village, complete with Gluhwein and German sausages, partygoers can enjoy whizzing around an outdoor ice rink all evening long. There are also carnival rides and a live DJ in the centre of the city, before a thunderous fireworks show when midnight strikes.

 

– St Ives. This pretty Cornish town may be small, but for many – it’s the best place in the country to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’re visiting, make sure you bring fancy dress, as revellers in all kinds of costumes will flood the streets and onto the beach in the hours before midnight. There are street parties, music and a really special atmosphere, before an electric fireworks display kicking off on the dot of midnight.

 

– Bristol. This New Year’s Eve is a particularly special one for the city of Bristol, as it is celebrating the 150^th birthday of its iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge will be the focal point of celebrations, with crowds flocking to the bridge for the best views of the fireworks displays taking place across the city at midnight. In addition to the fireworks, there are also swing dance parties, family-friendly performances and plenty of live music and dancing.

 

– Newquay. When it comes to celebrating the start of a brand new year, Cornwall really goes to town, with both Newquay and St Ives making it into our list. In Newquay, the surf capital of Cornwall, costumes and fancy dress will be on show throughout the town. A parade will wind its way through the town before arriving at Central Square for the midnight countdown and the event everyone has been waiting for – the breath-taking fireworks display over the harbour.

 

– Manchester. The northern powerhouse always delivers when it comes to New Year’s Eve and fireworks, and this year is no exception. Events, parties and live music will be taking place along the city’s Oxford Road, while a fantastic fireworks show will light up Albert Square and the magnificent former town hall.

 

– Allendale. This quiet Northumberland town has lots of fascinating traditions, including a festival of fire which dates back to 1858. Local men carry burning whisky barrels through the town, ceremonial bonfires tower over the town and the sky is lit by fire and fireworks – it really does have to be seen to be believed. With live music and partying into the small hours, Allendale offers a memorable and completely unique New Year’s Eve experience – don’t miss it!