LIVE updates: New Years Eve in Manchester- Crowds gather to welcome 2024 with first big fireworks since pandemic

New Year’s Eve is here again, with thousands of revellers expected to hit the streets of Manchester to welcome in 2024.

Despite the looming threat of downpours, the city centre will no doubt burst into joyous scenes this evening with friends and families clinking their glasses and celebrating the end of the year in style.

From Deansgate, to the Gay Village and the Northern Quarter, bars, clubs and restaurants across Manchester will transform into cheerful celebrations - and we will be with you bringing you the latest.

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The city is to welcome its first firework celebration since the pandemic with a spectacular end-of-the-year display that will light up the sky over the Castlefield Bowl as the clock strikes midnight.

Kicking off at 10pm, the night will include a live DJ set from Hits Radio DJ Jordan Lee, as well as a traditional countdown to midnight, followed by a huge firework display.

The last time fireworks were held in the city centre was 2019 at the far end of Deansgate by Manchester Cathedral. Before then, the traditional New Year's party was hosted on Albert Square, in front of the Town Hall - though it currently remains under wraps for refurbishment.

But if you miss those, we will be out and about across the city centre this evening and in the other boroughs of Greater Manchester to bring you the latest scenes as we warmly welcome in another year.

We wish you a very happy new year from us all here at the Manchester Evening News!

Follow the latest updates in our live blog below:

Molly has returned to the Chestergate pub in Stockport once again to welcome in the new year.

And as she does every other year, she is