New Year fireworks
Fireworks explode around the London Eye during New Year celebrations in London Reuters

Skies above cities across the UK will ring in the New Year with fireworks displays.

For people planning to brave the cold, wind and rain, IBTimes UK has compiled a guide of the biggest and best fireworks taking place across the country.

London

Last year, around 250,000 people turned up to watch the fireworks display at London's Southbank and this year looks no different. The event is expected to draw huge crowds with limited viewing areas, so onlookers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

As Big Ben strikes 12, the display will be set to a musical soundtrack followed by a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. From 12.45, a DJ set will continue the festivities.

While travel is free on all TfL journeys between 11.45pm and 4.30am, people are advised to plan their routes well in advance and check their tube station will be open as restrictions are in place to control crowds.

Birmingham

Birmingham will host its annual fireworks display between 12am and 12.15am in the city centre. For best views people are advised to head to Centenary Square where the main celebrations will be taking place, however, Chamberlin Square and Victoria Square will also have festivities going on.

The Birmingham Wheel will be closed during the fireworks display but will re-open shortly after until 12.30 for views of the city. The ice rink will also be open late, with last entrance at 11pm.

Manchester

This year, for the first time, Piccadilly Gardens will host Manchester's New Year's Eve fireworks display, which will go on for 10 minutes from midnight. The 60 metre Big Wheel will also return to Piccadilly Gardens with 42 pods to transport people above the city centre until 1am.

For travel around the city, Transport for Greater Manchester is funding some night bus services to run until 4am, while trams in the city will run "well past midnight". Details on Metrolink services can be found at tfgm.com.

Cardiff

Cardiff will be hosting its Calennig Midnight celebrations in the city's Winter Wonderland, which will be holding music, funfair and skating throughout New Year's Eve.

The fireworks display will start at 12 after which the funfair will remain open until 1am. DJ Jason Harrold will be playing music between 9.30am � 12.20am. Visitors can also watch the fireworks during a midnight skate, but are advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

A bus service will be running until 2am to ferry people in and out of the city centre.

Newcastle

NewcastleGateshead Quayside will be hosting a fireworks display to welcome in the new year, with visitors advised to enjoy cocktails and enjoy the views and bars around the area before the clock strikes 12.

The city will also be hosting a Winter Carnival on New Year's Eve with a parade passing through Monument at 5pm before heading to the Newcastle Civic Centre for an early evening fireworks display at 6pm.