London new year fireworks 2008: details announced

See www.london-se1.co.uk/whatson/event/3631 for the latest information

"London is one of the best cities in the world to visit during the Christmas period and the New Year's Eve fireworks display is world-famous," says Ken Livingstone.

"It is one of the hundreds of attractions taking place in the capital during the Christmas and New Year period, which make the London the most exciting city in the world."

London's display is produced by Jack Morton Worldwide and internationally renowned pyrotechnician Christophe Berthonneau.

The annual new year fireworks at the London Eye have become a firm fixture in the London calendar since they began in 2004.

More than 250,000 people packed the banks of the Thames at midnight on 1 January 2007 to witness the new year fireworks.

As usual the display will be shown live on BBC One.

Spectator are being advised to not bring their cars into central London and to use public transport instead as road closures are being put in place earlier than last year – from 6pm on New Year's Eve.

The Mayor added: "If you are going home, or going out on New Year's Eve, public transport is the best way to get about. And because of road closures and planned improvements at Victoria station and across town at Liverpool Street, we will be advising people not to drive in and to plan their journey in advance."

More information about New Year's Eve, including transport, free and through the night travel, will be announced nearer the time.