Brits in southern England of the UK came to know that there will be no festivities for New Year’s Eve due to the wild winds. They will be throwing the fireworks off course.

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place due to 75mph winds barrelling through Plymouth and Devon.

Winterwonderland in Plymouth and the town fireworks in Devon have both been axed in anticipation of the gale force winds.

Organisers of the Plymouth event said although they are very disappointed and frustrated, but safety comes first. They will not take the risk.

Meanwhile, Barnstable Town Centre Management said that the Devon display cannot go on due to the expected weather.

In an announcement, they said: “Unfortunately due to the weather conditions and the gusting winds we will be unable to do the fireworks this evening due to safety. We know this is disappointing, but safety is always the priority and we unfortunately can’t control the weather.”

Huge swathes of the country are under yellow weather warnings today as the south of the country is expected to see strong winds and torrential downpours.

Gales may be there along the south coast, the west and the east and started at around 10am.

They may stop as the clock chimes 12 and Brits welcome in the New Year.

As well as the southern spots, Blackpool, Blackburn, Bolton and Lancaster will also see some of the wet weather.

But the rain will not call off play for Britain’s revellers as 40,000 are expected to flock to bars tonight.

An additional 100,000 partygoers are going to descend on central London for the midnight fireworks.

Tens of thousands will also flock to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

People across Europe welcoming the New Year 2024 against a backdrop of top security concerns.

The first major city to see 2024 was Auckland, in New Zealand. Here fireworks were let off from its tallest building, the Sky Tower.

Ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and tensions in parts of the world, have affected this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in a myriad of ways.

Many cities in Europe were deploying extra security, and some places cancelled New Year’s Eve events altogether.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis recalled 2023 as a year marked by wartime suffering.

During his traditional Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, he offered prayers.

It is for the tormented Ukrainian people and the Palestinian and Israeli populations, the Sudanese people and many others.

Ramed up police presence in France

In France, 90,000 law enforcement officers were set to be deployed, domestic intelligence chief Céline Berthon said on Friday.

Of those, 6,000 will be in Paris, where French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said over 1.5 million people may attend celebrations on the Champs-Elysees.

Darmanin cited a “very high terrorist threat” because, in part, of “what is happening in Israel and Palestine,” referring to the Israel-Hamas war.

New Year’s Eve celebrations in the French capital will centre on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It will be including DJ sets, fireworks and video projections on the Arc de Triomphe.

Other planned events include “the largest Mexican wave ever performed” and a “giant karaoke.”

In Berlin, some 4,500 police officers are expected to keep order and avoid riots like a year ago.

Police in the German capital issued a ban on the traditional use of firecrackers for several streets across the city.

They also banned a pro-Palestinian protest in the Neukoelln neighbourhood of the city, which has seen several demonstrations since the 7 October attack by Hamas.

New Year’s celebrations called off in Russia

In Russia, the country’s military actions in Ukraine have overshadowed end-of-year celebrations, with the usual fireworks and concert on Moscow’s Red Square cancelled, as last year.

After shelling in the centre of the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday killed 24 people, some local authorities across Russia also cancelled their usual firework displays, including in Vladivostok.

Millions throughout Russia are expected to tune into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s address.

Sydney and Auckland were the world’s first major cities to ring in 2024, with more than a million revellers cheering spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over Sydney Harbor and New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower.

“It’s total madness,” said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7:30 a.m. to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden. “It’s not so easy to find a good place to sit, but the view is incredible.”

Wales faces a double threat this weekend as the Met Office issues weather warnings for wind and rain, anticipating gusts of up to 75mph and potential flooding.

Wales is set to endure another bout of challenging weather this weekend, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings for both wind and rain. The warnings cover a range of areas, including Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Cardiff, Conwy, Newport, Swansea, and more. The forecast suggests gusts of 45-50mph, reaching 65-75mph in coastal regions.

This follows the recent impact of Storm Gerrit, which brought winds of up to 85mph, leaving tens of thousands without power in Ceredigion. The upcoming weather front is expected to move across England and Wales, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

The wind warning spans from 11:00 GMT on Saturday until 03:00 on Sunday, coinciding with another warning for heavy rain from 10:00-18:00 on Saturday. The Met Office advises that these conditions are likely to affect travel and may result in power cuts.

This announcement comes in the wake of a supercell thunderstorm causing a tornado in Greater Manchester, leading to a major incident declaration in Tameside. The aftermath revealed significant damage to properties, with roofs missing, trees uprooted, and windows shattered.

As families in affected areas recover from the recent tornado, the Met Office warns of more challenges ahead. Steven Ramsdale, a Met Office Forecaster, emphasizes the likelihood of hill snow and heavy rain, affecting areas previously hit by Storm Gerrit.

In addition to potential travel disruptions, there are reports of railway routes remaining closed in Scotland and flight cancellations at Heathrow. The impact of Storm Gerrit continues to be felt, with ScotRail, LNER, Avanti West Coast, and London Northwestern Railway experiencing disruptions.

As the weather warnings loom, residents and authorities are urged to stay vigilant, prepare for possible flooding, and take necessary precautions. The Met Office will closely monitor the situation, providing updates as the weekend unfolds.

Mabrian, a prominent travel intelligence company, has unveiled its latest examination of the evolving travel motivations for 2024, focusing particularly on shifting trends in European travel and the destinations showing the most promise for the year ahead. Employing advanced methodologies, including sentiment analysis of traveler discussions on social media and transactional data regarding future air connectivity, the study provides valuable insights into changing patterns of tourist interest in Europe and identifies destinations strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging trends.

Mabrian’s analysis highlights a global surge in experiential travel, particularly evident in Europe, with a specific emphasis on active and natural tourism. Leading this transformation are Northern European countries, positioning themselves as prime beneficiaries of this evolving demand. Italy emerges as the top potential trending destination for 2024, followed by France and Germany. Noteworthy regions such as Piedmont in Italy, New Aquitaine in France, and the East of England stand out as top destinations, showcasing a blend of cultural, natural, and gastronomic attractions, complemented by robust air connectivity.

Key Conclusions for 2024:

1. Shift Towards Experiential Travel: Mabrian’s analysis indicates a global trend towards more experiential and less conventional travel motivations, with an 8% increase in experiential travel since 2019. Experiential tourism encompasses activities such as active, natural, gastronomic, and wellness experiences.
2. European Trends Reflecting Global Change: Europe has experienced an 8% growth in experiential activities from 2019 to 2023, reducing the prominence of conventional motivations. Active and nature tourism emerge as the fastest-growing, gaining 5 and 3 percentage points, respectively.
3. Countries Best Positioned for Experiential Tourism: Northern European countries, including Iceland, Norway, Finland, Slovenia, and Switzerland, are better positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential activities, holding a share of over 60% in visitor interest.
4. Potential Trending Destinations for 2024: Italy leads with the most potential destinations (four), followed by France and Germany with two each. The top 10 trending regions for 2024 also include the United Kingdom and Portugal.

Top 3 Trending Destinations:

1. Piedmont Region, Italy: Notable for destinations like Turin, Stresa, and Alba, Piedmont stands out with a balance of cultural and natural offerings, featuring prominently in gastronomic experiences and benefiting from positive trends in flight accessibility.
2. New Aquitaine, France: Featuring destinations such as Bordeaux, Biarritz, and Limoges, this region stands out for its oenological and gastronomic products alongside active tourism, enjoying good and stable air connectivity.
3. East of England, United Kingdom: Encompassing Cambridge, Essex, and Norfolk, this region achieves a balance between cultural and natural offerings, positioning it as a growing destination with solid and stable connectivity.

To complete the top 10 trending destinations, notable mentions include Occitania (France), Campania (Italy), North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), Lombardy (Italy), Emilia-Romagna (Italy), the province of Hamburg (Germany), and the province of Lisbon (Portugal).

The study analyzed over 380 million tourist mentions online from January to October of the current year, comparing them with the four previous years. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing on big data from social media, the analysis interprets spontaneous conversations related to travel. Additionally, transactional data on future air connectivity has been employed to identify destinations potentially trending in the coming months.

In conclusion, Mabrian’s 2024 trend analysis unveils a dynamic shift towards experiential travel globally, with a specific focus on Europe, where Italy, France, and Germany emerge as key players in the upcoming travel trends for 2024.

Carlos Cendra, CMO of Mabrian, comments, “While it is challenging to generalize trends today, given the disparity of segments and interests, it is crucial to identify the global and structural shift in travel motivations, especially among the new generations. Each destination possesses unique characteristics and a distinct tourism offering, but all must pay attention to the evolution of traveler motivations and strive to adapt their offerings as agilely as possible, given the competition is global and increasing.”

One of the major trade fairs for tourism happening in Central Germany goes by the name of TOURISMA & Caravaning in Magdeburg. expotec GmbH has organised this event. 

Normally, this fair takes place in January annually which goes on to attract visitors from all across Germany and beyond. 

This event is instrumental in featuring things like package and individual travel facets, wellness, spa treatments, active holidays, and accessories of bicycle and bicycle tours. In addition, there will also be caravaning, camping accessories, and motor-homes. 

This event is functional in bringing together 55 exhibitors from all across Germany to participate in this event. 

TOURISMA & Caravaning is arguably one of the first tourism fairs in Germany. It sets the tendencies and trends relating to the upcoming tourism season. There will be a special focus pertaining to the innovations in the caravan industry. With a special focus on this, it will become a must-visit for anyone and everyone interested in leisure in vacationing in mobile homes.   

The TOURISMA & Caravaning will be happening continually for three consecutive days. It will run from Friday, which is the fifth of January, to Sunday, which is the seventh of January, 2024, in Magdeburg.

A comprehensive supporting programme is available at the exhibition in addition to information regarding vacation and leisure-related subjects. Slideshows and presentations of beautiful and unusual places to visit will be among the highlights. Senior Day, a day specifically for senior citizens that offers discounts and information, is one of the fair’s distinctive features.

Travellers from all around the world will be sharing their experiences happens to strive as another pleasure of TOURISMA & Caravaning. For anyone arranging active vacations by bicycle, motorhome, or camping, these stories offer motivation and useful advice.

The show is hosted at Messe Magdeburg, a contemporary location that is simple to get to and provides plenty of space for the sizable exposition and related activities. The pleasant atmosphere that guests enjoy and the first-rate infrastructure of Messe Magdeburg are well-known.

TOURISMA & Caravaning in Magdeburg is an all-encompassing event that will be of great interest to the general public as well as industry experts. It’s a crucial day on the trade fair calendar for anybody who is enthusiastic about travel and caravanning because it offers a unique blend of inspiration, entertainment, and information.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style aboard the City Cruises Gala Dinner Cruise on the Thames. Indulge in a night of glamor, gastronomy, and grandeur as you bid farewell to the old and welcome 2024 with the best views of London’s iconic fireworks.

As the year comes to a close, London transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, and what better way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new than aboard the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruise with City Cruises? This exclusive experience promises an unforgettable night filled with delicious food, drinks, and the best views of London’s iconic fireworks.

The festivities kick off at Tower Pier, where guests are greeted with a glass of champagne upon boarding. The cruise departs at 8:15 pm, so be sure to arrive by 7:45 pm to secure your spot. Once aboard, indulge in a sumptuous three-course meal, complete with half a bottle of wine per person and a vegetarian option. The culinary delights served will fuel you for an evening of dancing, accompanied by a live band that sets the perfect celebratory tone.

A cash bar on-board ensures that your glass is never empty, and when the clock strikes midnight, raise your glass to welcome 2024 with another round of champagne. Witness the magic of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks as the sky is illuminated with bursts of color and joy. The cruise, a five-hour journey on the River Thames, culminates around 1:15 am back at Tower Pier, marking the end of a truly unforgettable night.

Please note the dress code: jackets for men (no jeans or trainers) and cocktail dresses for ladies. Road closures may occur early in preparation for the fireworks, so check Transport for London’s website for updates before you travel.

Don’t miss this opportunity to say cheers to the New Year in a unique and spectacular way. Book your tickets now for an evening of glamor, gastronomy, and grandeur on the Thames.

Countdown to 2024 in style on the Thames! Join Woods River Cruises for an exclusive New Year’s Eve soirée with champagne, fireworks, and luxury.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, immerse yourself in the epitome of sophistication and celebration on the Thames with Woods River Cruises. Combining the allure of London’s iconic skyline, the effervescence of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne, the Mayor’s dazzling fireworks, and the enchanting Illuminated River, our New Year’s Eve 2023/24 celebration promises an unforgettable start to the year.

Herald the arrival of 2024 in style aboard our private yacht, where opulence meets panoramic perfection. Engage in a sensory feast as you sip on the finest Veuve Clicquot Champagne, known for its rich flavors and effervescent charm. With London’s famous landmarks as your backdrop, every moment becomes a masterpiece.

At Woods River Cruises, we understand that every celebration is unique. Create your own bespoke event, whether it’s an intimate top deck canapé reception followed by a River Room dinner or a grand affair that encompasses the entire vessel. Our commitment to luxury extends beyond the breathtaking views, ensuring your celebration is marked by unrivaled service and spacious elegance.

Embark on the journey of planning your dream New Year’s Eve celebration with the support of our experienced team. From crafting the perfect menu to coordinating every detail, we are here to make your vision a reality. Your private yacht awaits, ready to host an evening that transcends expectations.

Inscribe the first chapter of 2024 in the annals of sophistication, surrounded by the glittering lights of London’s skyline. Elevate your New Year’s Eve experience with Woods River Cruises, where luxury meets the river’s embrace.

Welcome the New Year in Paris with enchanting experiences! From Seine cruises to cabaret shows, explore unforgettable celebrations in the City of Lights.

Ring in 2024 in the City of Lights with style and glamor! Explore our curated selection of extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paris, featuring dazzling dinner cruises, vibrant cabaret shows, outdoor festivities on the Champs-Élysées, and refined performances at prestigious theaters and opera houses.

Embark on a magical journey through the heart of Paris with our exclusive dinner cruises on the Seine. Indulge in gourmet meals, enjoy live music, and witness the sparkling Eiffel Tower spectacle. Whether you prefer an early evening cruise, a festive meal with unique musical ambiance, or an all-inclusive package with a panoramic terrace, our options cater to every taste.

No New Year’s Eve in Paris is complete without experiencing the glamour of cabaret shows. Immerse yourself in the world of rhinestones, feathers, and glitter at iconic venues such as Crazy Horse Paris, Brasil Tropical Cabaret, Paradis Latin, and the legendary Moulin Rouge. Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner before being captivated by dazzling performances that promise to surprise and delight.

For those who crave an outdoor celebration, the Champs-Élysées beckons with its festive atmosphere. The prestigious avenue, adorned with Christmas lights, transforms into a sparkling paradise. The grand spectacle around the Arc de Triomphe, featuring a mesmerizing video projection, adds an extra layer of magic to the outdoor festivities.

If you’re a theater or opera enthusiast, Paris has a refined New Year’s Eve planned for you. Enjoy diverse repertoire performances in prestigious venues such as the Opéra Garnier, featuring classic and modern works. Elevate your experience with a refined dinner before or after the performance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, Paris offers a plethora of options to make your New Year’s Eve truly magical. Plan your celebration with France Tourisme and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this unique night in the City of Lights.

New Year’s Eve at the Place des Palais

At the Place des Palais, the City of Brussels is all set to celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks.

Parties

If anyone is looking for a unique New Year’s Eve party with improvising comedians, a classical performance to kick things off lightly, or an extravagant display that’s teeming with emotion, then place is perfect. Brussels is putting on its best adornments and all prepared to rejoice 2024 in great style!

New Year’s Eve is the cheerful evening of the year. And when one is thinking of end-of-year festivities, one certainly thinks of food! Here are few ideas of places where one can relish a delightful dinner, make culinary discoveries well into the night and relish year’s last evening as if one is at a major celebration!To end the year 2023 in elegance, the annual fireworks show will be organized at midnight at place des Palais / Paleizenplein. And STIB-MIVB allows anyone to reach there and to return home safely as well. From midnight, their entire network, which is strengthened for the occasion, will be free. No necessity to buy a ticket for the New Year’s first trip!

The annual December events and gatherings in the city draw a significant crowd, including both residents of Ljubljana and visitors from other locations. Many attendees opt to drive to the city center, contributing to heightened traffic and issues related to improper parking, posing challenges and risks to vulnerable road users. To enhance the festive experience in Ljubljana during December events, the City of Ljubljana encourages residents and visitors to utilize city buses for free instead of relying on their cars. This complimentary service is available from 5 p.m. to midnight, spanning from Thursday, December 21, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024. The initiative aims to ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey for attendees while reducing traffic congestion and promoting public transportation.

In case visitors still prefer using their cars, it is strongly recommended that vehicles be fully occupied, borrowed, or shared with other passengers through carpooling. Additionally, visitors have the option to park their cars at one of the parking lots managed by the public company LPT or at the P+R parking lots at Dolgi most, Barje, Studenec, Stožice, Ježica, and Stanežiče. To maintain safety and order, drivers are urged to park only in designated areas and avoid improper parking on lawns, sidewalks, and bike paths, ensuring the well-being of other space users. Similarly, cyclists and scooter users are encouraged to use designated bike and scooter racks for parking, while cyclists can utilize the secure covered bike storage at the Congress Square Parking Garage.