LONDON, Dec 31 (AFP) - More than 150,000 people were expected to line the banks of the River Thames Friday for a massive fireworks display as the British capital looked to bring 2005 in with a bang despite the tsunami disaster in Asia.
Police were dissuading revellers from congregating in Trafalgar Square, the traditional centrepoint for Londoners at New Year, hoping people would focus instead on the one-million-pound (1.4-million-euro) fireworks event.
Festivities were to be muted for many by the tidal waves in Asia which have claimed the lives of at least 34 British nationals and left many others unaccounted for.
The fireworks were being laid on by the Greater London Authority, which is aiming to promote the city's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
Large numbers were also expected to converge on Trafalgar Square, even though Scotland Yard -- fearful of overcrowding and crime -- has done plenty to discourage them.
"People believe there is something mystical about spending the New Year in Trafalgar Square," said Chris Allison, the police officer responsible for the area.
"In reality, it is cold, damp, open to the elements, with deep crowds, which unfortunately provides the potential for opportunist crime," he said.
Up to 400,000 people are also expected to hit the streets from midday on Saturday and enjoy the carnival atmosphere of a parade featuring 10,000 clowns, dancers, and other entertainers. Organisers have said profits from the event will go towards the victims of the tsunamis in Asia.
Meanwhile, Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh was hoping to reclaim its title as the world's best destination to see in the New Year, following a sudden storm last year which forced celebrations to be cancelled.
All 100,000 tickets have been sold allowing party-goers access to the Edinburgh celebrations, known as Hogmanay after the traditional Scottish word for the New Year festivities.
Those squeezing into the city's streets will enjoy events including a torchlight procession, fireworks, and a concert featuring pop acts such as Blondie and Scissor Sisters.
Participants were relieved to know that the weather was forecast to be relatively calm and mild, a contrast to the sudden storm on New Year's Eve 2003 which forced the bulk of the events to be called off at the last moment.
In contrast to these cities, nearly two-thirds of Britons are expected to stay in for the evening.
A poll by the Royal Mail suggested that some four million Britons would make it down to their local pub for a few pints of beer and only two percent would go out dancing in nightclubs.
The big winners over the New Year period will be the rats, according to Keep Britain Tidy.
"Fast-food rubbish has increased by 50 percent in the last three years and it's sure to be at its height during the festive season, when people binge drink and pig out," said Chief Executive Alan Woods.
"Since it's holiday season, there'll be fewer street cleaners to clean up after them, so expect rodents to make their way out of the sewers and the shadows to dine out on the kebabs, pizzas, chips and burgers louts leave behind," he said.
12/31/2004 16:46 GMT - AFP