New Year's Eve in England

Clocks symbolize the transition that occurs at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, with London's celebration focusing on the clock housed in the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, recognised worldwide as "Big Ben". The celebrations are televised from London by the BBC in England and Wales.
On New Year's Eve 2010, an estimated 250,000 people gathered to view an eight-minute fireworks display around and above the London Eye, which on that occasion was for the first time set to a musical soundtrack, including many of the greatest songs by British artists such as Blur, The Beatles and Queen. The celebrations in London continue into January 1, with the New Year's Day Parade which has been held annually since 1987 and in 2011 marks its 25th year, involving more than 10,000 musicians, cheerleaders and performers.

Other major New Year events are held in the cities of Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.

Bideford in north Devon is also renowned for its New Year's Eve celebrations featuring a carnival and fancy dress; centering on the quayside and around the Old Bridge with a lone piper playing Auld Lang Syne at midnight followed by a fireworks display^.