New Year's Eve in one of England's major cities will go with a fizzle rather than a bang after council killjoys refused to hold a fireworks display for fear of drunken revellers.
As most other cities mark the start of 2008 with parties and public event the streets of Manchester will remain quiet.
Council chiefs have decided not arranged a fireworks display or official celebration for the hundreds expected to gather under the town hall clock in Albert Square at midnight.
Councillor Pat Karney, who is celebrating New Year in Berlin, said: "The combination of alcohol and large crowds of people doesn't work in Machester on New Year's Eve."