Reeling in the New Year
- Published
It's time to welcome in 2024 and enjoy the festivities.
But first, let's look back at how the event has been celebrated through the years, by everyone from bell-ringers to bug sceptics and bargain hunters.
1952: Rowdy revellers
Merrymakers take to the dance floor with immense enthusiasm to roar in the New Year at the Chelsea Arts Ball in London.
People in London celebrate the New Year
1953: The bargain hunters are ready for battle!
Long queues form outside department stores from the early hours as the New Year sales begin.
But what will happen when the bargain hunters are let loose on the shop floor?
In 1953, everyone is out for the New Year's sales
1973: Nationwide raises a toast around the nations…
Presenters from across the UK welcome in 1974 with a drink of their choice; It’s time to turn the job you have into the job you want!
All around the UK, reporters toast to the New Year
1974: Bellringing for beginners
Blue Peter’s Lesley Judd and Peter Purves get a few tips from the Oxford Society of Change Ringers to welcome in 1974. But be warned, it’s not as easy as it looks.
Presenters from the children's television show practice their bell ringing skills
2020: A virus has other plans
Celebrations are sombre during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and around the world people welcome in 2021 with the hope that brighter days lie ahead.
Originally broadcast 31 December 2020.
New Year in a COVID landscape
- Published9 May 2024
- Published10 May 2024
- Published9 May 2024
