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| Fireworks show attracts thousands | Fireworks show attracts thousands |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| More than 200,000 people lined the banks of the Thames to watch a firework display to welcome in the new year. | More than 200,000 people lined the banks of the Thames to watch a firework display to welcome in the new year. |
| Clear skies gave the crowds a perfect view of the seven-and-a-half minute display above the London Eye. | Clear skies gave the crowds a perfect view of the seven-and-a-half minute display above the London Eye. |
| The £313,000 display was cut by two minutes this year, helping organisers 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. |
| 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". | 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. | 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 allowed people to travel for free until 0430 GMT, but revellers 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 | 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 were to run from Victoria to East Croydon every 20 minutes. | |
| Some central London roads closed at 1800 GMT for the firework display. | Some central London roads closed at 1800 GMT for the firework display. |
| Millions were expected to watch coverage of the firework display on BBC One. | Millions were expected to watch coverage of the firework display on BBC One. |
| 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. | 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. |
| "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 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. | 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. |
| 3,000 police | 3,000 police |
| Many flocked to viewpoints such as Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where private displays competed with fireworks visible from central London. | Many flocked to viewpoints such as Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where private displays competed with fireworks visible from central London. |
| American students have been involved in rehearsals for the parade London's New Year's Day Parade live online on Friday | American students have been involved in rehearsals for the parade London's New Year's Day Parade live online on Friday |
| 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. | 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) mounted a large operation to keep the peace, with more than 3,000 officers on duty, and the force reported a total of 15 arrests had been made by 2230 BST. | |
| British Transport Police advised people to avoid Charing Cross and Waterloo stations and to walk further out before catching an Underground train. | British Transport Police advised 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 were to run as usual while some National Rail services from London were to 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. |
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| Preparations for London's fireworks | Preparations for London's fireworks |