Here’s to welcoming in 2011, says London Mayor Boris Johnson
As Londoners and visitors get set to welcome 2011 at events and parties across the capital, large crowds will also be gathering along the banks of the River Thames for the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display organised by the Mayor of London.
The event at the London Eye will feature lighting effects in the run up to midnight and music mixed live by BBC Radio 1’s Nihal. The award-winning DJ has also created a special ‘London mix’ of tunes, which will accompany the fireworks for the first time.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “There is something exhilarating and primal about the flashing lights and noisy explosions of a fireworks display, especially on New Year’s Eve. With our dazzling display we want to capture the dynamism, colour and energy that are the hallmarks of our great city. Some tough decisions have had to be taken this year, but as we go into 2011, let’s look forward to future growth and successes ahead, embracing the opportunities of the coming year with confidence and optimism.
“However you bring in the New Year, have a wonderful time. Here’s to welcoming in 2011!”
In his video message to be seen on his YouTube site the Mayor says: “2010 has been a momentous year for London. We’ve installed on our streets what I’d venture to say is the best bike hire scheme anywhere in the world. We’ve secured the funding for Crossrail. We’re upgrading the Tube network. We’re going to continue with a world class bus service and of course we continue to make our streets safer. We’re planting thousands of new trees across London and beautifying and upgrading our parks. I have no doubt that London is going to become an ever more attractive and safer place to live.
“I’m going to help lead this country out of recession next year. 2011 is going to be a very exciting year. We’ve got the Royal wedding. And of course we have the Olympics to look forward to. The single biggest and most exciting project we’re all going to be engaged in as Londoners for the last 50 years.
“By the end of 2011, my friends, we will have banished the last bendy bus from the streets of our city and we will have a new generation, lighter, cleaner, greener, hop on, hop off, Routemaster style vehicle on the streets of London. It’s going to be a fantastic year, I hope everybody enjoys it. Have a fantastic and wonderful new year!’
More from the London Mayor’s Office on YouTube.