Thousands huddle together beneath an illuminated sky to welcome in 2024 as fireworks make a booming return

Thousands huddled together beneath an illuminated sky in Manchester on New Year's Eve to welcome in 2024 with a miraculous bang - as the council organised fireworks made their booming return to the city for the first time in four years.

In typical Mancunian fashion, the heavens opened. But huddling together, with coats and umbrellas, the celebratory spirits of the 10,000 people who ventured out to countdown to midnight at the Castlefield Bowl were far from dampened.

It was the first time that a huge fireworks display had been organised for the city since before the Covid-19 pandemic, as the traditional pyrotechnics display was axed again last year.

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The last time a New Year's Eve fireworks celebration was held in the city was in December 2019, when thousands had gathered on Deansgate to watch the countdown beside the Manchester Cathedral.

Amid the excitement about the colourful extravaganza making its long-awaited return, families and friends arrived at Castlefield Bowl to enjoy a DJ set before the sky was illuminated to blasting music to welcome in the new year in style.

As the evening drew nearer to the 10pm start time, swathes of people arrived at the city centre amphitheatre for the free event, squashing together to try and get shelter and nab a prime viewing spot of the show.

The outdoor venue had already hit the 10,000 capacity before 11pm when radio DJ Jordan Lee took to the stage. At one point, a generator appeared to fall into the water as revellers leaned over metal barriers.

They had all turned out to the promise of a traditional countdown to midnight, followed by the dazzling display - and it didn't disappoint.

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