Mayor of London’s message for the New Year

London Mayor Boris Johnson

As people across the capital prepare to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has organised a fireworks display at the London Eye, which will bring in 2010 in spectacular style.

Large crowds will gather along the banks of the River Thames to watch the display, with millions more seeing it live on BBC1, as well as television viewers around the world. For those at the river, music in the build up to midnight will be mixed live by Radio One’s award winning DJ Nihal.

The Mayor and Transport for London are also putting on free travel to help people get about on the night. Tube, DLR, tram and bus services will run all night, including free travel from 11:45pm to 4:30am.

Mayor Boris Johnson said, “I know that for many people in London 2009 has been a very tough year, but I don’t think that I am deluding myself to suggest there are signs of optimism everywhere. We see the housing market picking up, we’ve got the theatre taking a record number of visitors and Oxford Street sold £200 million worth of goods on one day – a world record. Our creativity, verve and humour will ensure we are able to ride out the worst of times and prepare for the very best of times.

“So let’s look forward to the future. I hope very much that people will celebrate all the hard work they’ve put in to 2009. Always remember that London is the greatest place to have a party and any day of the year it is the most exhilarating and enjoyably spontaneous place to be. And, however you plan to bring it in, have a very Happy New Year!”

See Boris Johnson’s New Year message to Londoners, find out why London is the greatest place to have a party and hear Boris’s optimism for 2010 here.

The Mayor’s fireworks display can be seen live on BBC1, as the highlight of a special programme hosted by Myleene Klass (11:45pm-12:15am). Or you can watch it on BBC iPlayer.

Further information about the display, including viewing areas, here, and tips for planning your night here.

Public transport tonight:

· The Mayor and Transport for London are putting on free travel and public transport will be the best way to get about. Tube, DLR, tram and bus services will run all night, including free travel from 11:45pm to 4:30am.

· In central London, Tube travellers should look out for station closures and exit only arrangements.

· Many roads in the centre will be closed to cars.

· Night and 24 hour bus routes will run as normal, but due to road closures there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from around 7pm on New Year’s Eve to around 3am. However, bus services on the night will be enhanced with 55 routes running throughout the night, which normally only run during the day. Mainly in the suburbs, these bus services will be able to pick up passengers at the end of Tube lines and at National Rail stations.

· Selected National Rail services in Greater London will also run through the night. Free travel will operate on Southern train services from Victoria to East Croydon via Selhurst (every 20 minutes).

· More information can be found here. Information about events and attractions throughout Christmas and into New Year can be found here. Information to help you plan your journey over the same period will be available here.