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Fireworks show to attract 200,000 Fireworks show attracts thousands
(about 3 hours later)
More than 200,000 people are expected to line the Thames for a firework display to welcome in 2010. Thousands of people have lined the banks of the Thames to watch a firework display to welcome in the new year.
Pyrotechnics will illuminate the sky for eight minutes above the London Eye on the landmark's 10th anniversary. Pyrotechnics illuminated the sky for eight minutes above the London Eye on the landmark's 10th anniversary.
But the £313,000 display has been cut by two minutes this year, helping organisers to save a total of £70,000. The £313,000 display was cut by two minutes this year, helping organisers save a total of £70,000.
The Tube, DLR and buses will all run and are free from 2345 GMT until 0430 GMT. But revellers will have to pay for using most mainline train services. But deputy mayor of London Richard Barnes, who was in charge of the fireworks, said people were still getting a "good bang for your buck".
He said the major cost of the event was ensuring the safety of the crowd and organising travel arrangements so they can get home.
The Tube, DLR and buses are allowing people to travel for free from 2345 GMT until 0430 GMT, but revellers have still had to pay for using most mainline train services.
London is the greatest place to have a party any day of the year Boris Johnson Festive Travel: The Tube
Most rail operators said they were unable to offer free travel on New Year's Eve following the withdrawal of £100,000 in tax subsidies by the current mayor, Boris Johnson.Most rail operators said they were unable to offer free travel on New Year's Eve following the withdrawal of £100,000 in tax subsidies by the current mayor, Boris Johnson.
Free Southern train services will run from Victoria to East Croydon every 20 minutes.Free Southern train services will run from Victoria to East Croydon every 20 minutes.
Some central roads will also close for the display. Some central London roads closed at 1800 GMT for the firework display.
Millions are expected to watch coverage of the firework display on BBC One. Millions were expected to watch coverage of the firework display on BBC One.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "I know for many people in London 2009 has been a very tough year, but there are signs of optimism everywhere. Speaking ahead of the event, Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "I know for many people in London 2009 has been a very tough year, but there are signs of optimism everywhere.
London is the greatest place to have a party any day of the year Boris Johnson Festive Travel: The Tube
"I hope that people will celebrate all the hard work they've put into 2009.""I hope that people will celebrate all the hard work they've put into 2009."
He added: "London is the greatest place to have a party any day of the year."He added: "London is the greatest place to have a party any day of the year."
Radio 1 DJ Nihal will provide a soundtrack to the party at the London Eye, while a host of other DJs and pop stars will perform at pubs and clubs across London. Radio 1 DJ Nihal provided a soundtrack to the party at the London Eye, while a host of other DJs and pop stars were to perform at pubs and clubs across London.
Many are expected to flock to viewpoints such as Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where private displays will compete with fireworks visible from central London. 'Freezing temperatures'
Forecasters have warned people to wrap up warm with temperatures likely to be close to freezing. Many flocked to viewpoints such as Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where private displays competed with fireworks visible from central London.
A north-easterly wind may mean it will feel even colder. Forecasters warned people to wrap up warm as temperatures were expected to be close to freezing with a north-easterly wind likely to make it feel even colder.
Among the acts appearing elsewhere in London are Calvin Harris at the O2 Arena, Boy George at the Leicester Square Theatre Basement and Judge Jules at the Ministry of Sound. Among the acts appearing elsewhere in London were Calvin Harris at the O2 Arena, Boy George at the Leicester Square Theatre Basement and Judge Jules at the Ministry of Sound.
The Metropolitan Police (Met) is mounting a large operation to keep the peace, with more than 3,000 officers on duty. The Metropolitan Police (Met) mounted a large operation to keep the peace, with more than 3,000 officers on duty and some officers watching over the crowds from podiums.
Some officers will watch over the crowds from podiums to get a bird's eye view of any troublemakers.
The Met is advising people wanting to watch the fireworks to arrive early because large crowds may make it hard to find a viewing spot.
American students have been involved in rehearsals for the parade London's New Year's Day Parade live online on FridayAmerican students have been involved in rehearsals for the parade London's New Year's Day Parade live online on Friday
Supt Brian Pearce said: "The centre of town gets extremely busy so make sure you've thought carefully about your night out and how you will get home. British Transport Police advised people to avoid Charing Cross and Waterloo stations and to walk further out before catching an Underground train.
"There are, unfortunately, criminals who see occasions where large crowds are gathered as a prime opportunity to snatch bags and wallets.
"Keep a close eye on belongings."
Many roads in central London closed from 1800 GMT.
British Transport Police is advising people to avoid Charing Cross and Waterloo stations and to walk further out before catching an Underground train.
Ch Supt David Wildbore said: "With so many people trying to leave at the same time there will be long queues into stations so delay your journey home or come prepared for a long wait."Ch Supt David Wildbore said: "With so many people trying to leave at the same time there will be long queues into stations so delay your journey home or come prepared for a long wait."
Night buses will run as usual while some National Rail services from London will continue throughout the night. Night buses were to run as usual while some National Rail services from London were to continue throughout the night.
On Friday, 400,000 are expected to watch the New Year's Day Parade, which will set off from the Ritz Hotel at noon and end in Parliament Square.On Friday, 400,000 are expected to watch the New Year's Day Parade, which will set off from the Ritz Hotel at noon and end in Parliament Square.
Footage of the event will be streamed live on the BBC London website.Footage of the event will be streamed live on the BBC London website.