Bideford - New Years Eve

There is nowhere better to be on New Years Eve than Bideford. It often ranks in national newpaper polls as one of the best places in the country to be on New Years Eve. One poll for the Independent rated it as one of the top ten in in the world. Thousands of people flock here from all over the country. And everyone wears fancy dress! The pubs are packed to the rafters, the streets are full and there is such a fantastic atmosphere that even the weather can't dampen it.

People gather on the quay at midnight. The clock at the end of the old bridge chimes in the new year but it is also announced by the DJs on the music stage which blasts out dance tracks all night. Then follows a great fireworks display which lasts about 15 minutes.

We had a bit of rain last night - it managed to fall while we were in the pubs, luckily for us. Then there was a bit at 11.50 as we made our way to the quay. Miraculously it completely stopped by 11.58. Someone up there was smiling on us. Lets hope our luck holds for 2007. Here are a few of the photos I liked the best. Happy New Year everyone!